Team March Spotlight: 1st Lt. Paris Krula

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Gross
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
March Air Reserve Base, Calif. --  

March Air Reserve Base, Calif. - - The world of aviation has always been a passion for 1st Lt. Paris Krula, a Maintenance Officer assigned to the 752nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at March ARB.

In addition to serving as a Reserve Citizen Airman, Krula is employed by the County of San Diego as the Assistant Airport Manager for Gillespie Field, located in El Cajon.

Gillespie Field is known for being not only the oldest but also the largest of San Diego County’s eight regionally located airports. With three active runways primarily playing host to the popular Cessna and Piper type small civilian aircraft, it is one of the busiest facilities of its kind; responsible for facilitating 233,969 operations in 2018.  

“My number one priority involves being a first responder to aircraft incidents and accidents, along with conducting inspections in order to maintain the safety standards directed by the FAA and implementing corrective procedures,” said Krula, regarding her role at Gillespie Field.

Krula developed a love of aviation as a child and found particular inspiration in her grandfather Lt Col Edwin Clement’s military career, which included serving as Navigator on General Douglas MacArthur’s official transport plane during WWII. She decided to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps by joining the Air Force Reserve and prepared for a career in aviation by attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics and airport management.

“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and have the ability to empower and develop an incredible enlisted force; who ensure our aircraft to be fully mission capable”, said Krula, regarding the motivation that led to her becoming a member of the “Team March” family as a maintenance officer.

Krula explains that there is an overlap between her reserve service and civilian employment, both of which have challenges. Despite the challenges, she feels that the aviation operations and aircraft maintenance career fields hold a world of opportunity.

Krula says “It is a challenging career field, but you need to keep moving forward and the rewards are worth the challenge.”