Editor’s note: “Where Are They Now” is a Muscatine Journal series written by former Muscatine Journal editor Gil Dietz, who welcomes comments and suggestions. You can contact him at 563-263-5499 or  gvdietz@machlink.

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Maryland — Airman 1st Class Eric C. Reist is involved in plans and operations for emergency management at Andrews Air Force Base, the home of Air Force One (the President’s jet) and many other airplanes in the federal government fleet.

Reist, 24, is the son of Candis and Douglas Reist of Muscatine. Eric is not married. He has two brothers, both living in Muscatine: Cyle Welsch and Darren Reist.

“I was born, raised and educated in Muscatine,” Eric said. “I graduated from Muscatine High School in 2003 — although I had completed my course load earlier — and went to Muscatine Community College that year.”

He earned a bachelor’s  degree in communication studies and political science from Central College at Pella in 2005, and a Master of Criminal Justice degree from St. Ambrose University in 2006. He’s also earned an associate’s degree in emergency management from the Community College of the Air Force and he’s pursuing another degree in emergency management.

Eric has been on active duty with the Air Force since February. “My primary mission here at Andrews is to teach and train military personnel how to prepare for, respond to, and survive a peacetime or wartime attack,” Eric said. “I also train for a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack against this nation. In the event any of these attacks occur, I serve as an emergency responder.

“I moved to this part of the world to do my job and do it well. I am proud to be a part of the military. Every day in America, things go on behind the scenes — large and small — and many people never realize what it takes to defend this country.”

Reist was formerly employed as a correctional officer at the Muscatine County Sheriff’s office. He has also been an adjunct instructor in criminal justice and sociology for Iowa Wesleyan College.

As a part of his current position, Reist is a Hazmat Technician, certified to the highest Department of Defense level. He said his training exceeds some firefighters in regards to hazardous material response.

“My office building is home to the Emergency Operations Center for the 316th Wing,” Reist said. “The Center is activated in the event of any emergency or possible emergency. For example, during President Obama’s inauguration the Emergency Operations Center was on standby in the event of a situation.”

Reist said part of his training involved driving on the flight line that is the runway portion of the air base. “I have to have access to, and know how to drive on the flight line in the event of an emergency.”