Salute: Umatilla native aims high in Air Force
Amn. 1st Class Gage Michael Archer, 20, took a life-impacting step last year — he joined the United States Air Force!
Born in Bedford, Indiana, Gage moved to Umatilla in 2010 with his parents, looking for a fresh start and a break from the cold weather. Gage graduated as a Umatilla High School Bulldog in 2020, wrapping up a full-orbed prep career.
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Gage is the first in his family to join the military and says he decided to enlist because he wanted to get out of the house and learn to live on his own.
“My neighbor, Owen Walker, is in the Air Force,” says Gage. “He got me to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test), and after hearing about the 'Aim High' service from other veterans, I knew it was for me.
“I get motivated thinking about future opportunities," says the 2019 American Legion Boys State alumnus. "I've got big plans on the horizon, and I can’t want to get started!”
Q: Did you play any high school sports or participate in any clubs or activities?
A: I played baseball, basketball, was on the bowling team, and a member of the Key Club. In baseball, I was number 8 and played wherever coach put me. My sophomore year I was top three in home runs in Lake County! In basketball, I wore number 54 and was a starting power forward. With bowling, my best game in a match was a 255.
Q: Do you have any memories that stand out from your time in the Key Club?
A: Being a part of the Key Club districts was an amazing experience. We had a lot of fun and got to meet so many new people and learn so much about helping others.
Q: You were a part of the American Legion Boys' State. Can you tell us more about your role?
A: Number one, I'm thankful to the Post for sending. The highlight was being elected Commissioner of Agriculture.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Fishing and baseball are my two favorites, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
Q: What are your top three war movies of all time?
A: "Saving Private Ryan," "Jarhead" and "1917."
Q: Where did you go to boot camp?
A: Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Q: Duty station where you are currently assigned
A: Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
Q: Highest rank attained
A: Airman 1st Class – so far.
Q: What is the official title of your job?
A: I am a Bomber/Special Electronics Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Specialist.
Q: Who was the best leader to whom you were exposed – and why?
A: The best leader I have been exposed to is Senior Airman Brandon Black, who was one of my supervisors when I first got to Offutt. He made me feel welcome, and he and I have become good buddies ever since. He has taught me the way around the military and also how to enjoy my time there.
Q: Who are your heroes, and why?
A: My parents, by far. They have been with me through thick and thin, and I can’t thank them enough.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Salute: Umatilla native aims high in Air Force
