Troy J. Billard’s aviation journey began when he joined the Air Force. “I started my career at Ellsworth AFB as a brand new Airman and Nondestructive Inspection Trainee,” Billard said. He would spend the next seven years at Ellsworth learning his trade and deploying to the Middle East twice in support of the B-1 Bomber.
After gaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, he took on a leadership and mentoring role as the section’s lead trainer. He held that position until he left Ellsworth and was transferred to Whiteman AFB, where he served as the section’s number two and the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. Later, he would be promoted to Technical Sergeant. He then was promoted to Section Chief and led a shop of 12-14 people in support of the B-2 mission. He is currently in route to his next duty station at Eielson AFB Alaska.
Billard trained at the Naval Air Station Pensacola and has taken advanced training in ultrasonics and eddy current inspection procedures and computed radiography.
Many mentors have helped Billard to his current position. “Master Sergeant Matthew Baker and Technical Sergeant Steven Otto were two that made the greatest impact on my career. Technical Sergeant Otto was there when my career started and welcomed me into the industry, while Master Sergeant Baker came along later in my career and showed me how to be a leader and professional in my field,” Billard said.
Baker, who nominated Billard for this award, noted that Billard has high standards when it comes to his work. “... this is proven by the lab’s top performance and almost perfect quality control rates which was accompanied by seven separate Quality Assurance Honor Roll Awards in 2019.” Baker also pointed out that Billard’s strong work ethic has inspired others close to him. “Through hard work and astute dedication he was able to graduate from Community College of the Air Force with an Associate in Applied Science degree — Nondestructive Testing. This act directly influenced his team to pursue over 36 college level credits, earn two Associate degrees and one Professional Managers Certification.
As a member of the Air Force, Billard has received the Lt. General Leo Marquez Award, ALS Distinguished Graduate Award, ALS Leadership Award, 2019 Supervisor of the Quarter and 2019 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
As a trainer, Billard has and continues to train the next generation. “Many of my airmen are still in the military but several have left and enjoy great careers in the civilian industry,” Billard remarked. After he completes his 20-year career in the Air Force, he hopes to retire into a civilian career in the aviation field.
