At AmeriGas, teamwork goes beyond geographical boundaries. When natural disasters strip an area of its resources, we make sure that our teams have the necessary support to service our customers. Drivers, Service Technicians, Customer Relations Representatives, and Area Safety Advisors travel from other regions of the country to assist offices that have been impacted by the storm. These individuals are a part of the AmeriGas Airborne team.
For over a decade, Airborne personnel have delivered gas to areas hit by storms, caught up on backlogged deliveries, and answered phones in offices that have been inundated by customer calls due to extreme weather conditions or natural disasters. The Airborne team members exhibit the highest level of support for their AmeriGas team members—willingly working in uncharted waters and unfamiliar territory. They knowingly sacrifice time away from their families to help offices overcome the challenges they face.
We had the exciting opportunity to speak to one of the Airborne team members, Lloyd Paxman. Check out the interview below to see what it’s like to live a day in the life of an Airborne team member.
What’s your role when you’re not Airborne?
I’m a Service Tech from the AmeriGas in St. George, UT.
What made you go airborne?
We’re all on the same team and we can help each other out; that’s the way I look at it.
What was your first deployment?
My first deployment was to New Jersey in 2012 to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Displaced homeowners and emergency responders occupied most hotel rooms in the area where the hurricane struck. The closest hotel vacancy was an hour and a half from the district. The days were long, and my week there felt like three. My eyes were opened pretty big, but looking back, it was a good experience.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
When you get deployed, you’re entering uncharted waters. These areas are completely new and unfamiliar to you and you rely solely on the GPS. They give you tickets and you have to do the best you can to make sure those deliveries happen. You have to be able to roll with the punches.
What do you find most rewarding about this role?
Any time you get called in, obviously there’s a need. Anxiety is high because everyone is stressed. But, when you get there, you’re able to help. You’re going to take a route for them that wouldn’t have been done and may have resulted in out-of-gas calls. The ability to help those families after a natural disaster is the most rewarding job out there.
What is it like to constantly work with different teams?
It’s great! And the teams I help have always been extremely appreciative. I remember one of the district manager ended a safety meeting with a big hug and a “thank you” to our airborne team before we headed home. It was a moving moment. That team never thought they would need to call Airborne, but when they did, we were there to help. My office could be the same way someday. All of the sudden, we may need someone to help us out.
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