Commack native flying high in Air Force

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Only six-and-a-half years ago, 1st Lt. Brian R. Regulinski was strolling the halls of Commack High School, preparing for his first semester at Pennsylvania State University.

But today, things are a lot different for the outgoing 24-year-old Commack native. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 2005, Regulinski decided to join the U.S. Air Force, where he’s already risen to the position of an executive officer in one of the largest units responsible for training pilots and aircrews for wartime: Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

More notably, he directs the Joint Air Ground Operations Group’s $1 million budget.

“Next year, it’ll become $4 million,” joked Regulinski, noting that Nellis trains combat air and ground forces using more than 1,200 F-15, F-16, F-22 and A-10 aircraft. “It can be challenging at times, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. I’m enjoying it.”

According to Regulinski, the base’s training exercises are entitled “Green Flag,” with Green Flag West in Nellis and Green Flag East at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. At Green Flag West, the mission is to provide air support to ground forces deployed to the National Training Center at California-based Fort Irwin, while Barksdale base provides the same support for the Joint Readiness Training Center at Louisiana-based Fort Polk.

Both bases prepare aircrew for the types of missions they’ll support during war.

“My biggest responsibility is keeping my boss out of trouble and making sure his schedule runs smoothly everyday,” said Regulinski, whose commander frequently travels to Barksdale and Fort Irwin. “I also get to meet a lot of dignitaries who come to visit. Looking back, I’ve met so many interesting people I can’t even pick one who stands out.”

In addition to his budgetary responsibilities, Regulinski also supervises the group’s personnel and computer program and a quarterly awards program, among other things. His ultimate goal is to become a squadron commander, which could take another 10 years.

“My mom isn’t happy about me being here, and she always jokes that she’s going to write a letter to President Bush if I get deployed,” said Regulinski. “But the military is very career broadening if you’re not sure what you want in life. I’m happy I enlisted.”

In his spare time, he said he enjoys riding his motorcycle or hiking Mt. Charleston, which is northwest of Las Vegas. He also talks twice a week with his family in Commack.

“Of course, I miss Long Island, but Nellis is a beautiful base and a great place,” said Regulinski, whose wife lives at Nellis. “I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Click here for a gallery stories about Long Islanders and spouses in the military.