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Many Airmen have passed through Mobility’s hometown since its activation as a multi-engine flight training school in 1943, the majority of whom view Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, as a temporary stop for a small period of their career. For some, however, Altus is becoming much more than a short-term landing place.
This is the case with Master Sgt. Thomas Kessler, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron, superintendent of vehicle management, and his family: his wife Desiree and his two daughters Dominique and Hayden.
Thomas Kessler was born in Alzey, Germany on January 27, 1981. After his family moved to the United States in 1993, he completed his education and enlisted in the US Air Force.
Throughout his career he has traveled the world, experiencing a plethora of communities and cultures. The Kessler family could have settled in any of these places, but something about Altus seemed special to them.
“We did the big cities… we did LA, California, Little Rock, Arkansas, Europe, we kind of did it all,” said Thomas Kessler. “Altus grew up with us. We love how close everything is and we love the people here. Here everyone helps everyone.
Once the family decided to move here, they sold the house they had been living in since arriving in Altus in July 2016 and moved into the house of their dreams.
Right after moving in, the family knew they wanted pets. Little did they know what started out as two goats would turn into 1AB Ranch: home to over 25 animals and counting.
“After the goats we had pigs, then a donkey… and he kind of grew,” said Thomas Kessler. “As we widened our fences, the animals kept growing. There was one pregnancy after another.
Recognizing the joy their animals brought to their lives, the Kesslers one day decided to bring a few kids to their work center for the rest of their unit to enjoy.
“Everyone who was lucky enough to meet and play with the goats was smiling,” said Thomas Kessler. “Everyone on our flight enjoyed it and they kept asking me to bring them back. After that all the other flights were interested, so I brought them on those flights and they played a bit. He just kept growing and growing. Now, if anyone wants me to bring them, I’ll bring them.
While the Kesslers have used 1AB Ranch to serve the community and their Air Force family, their primary focus is to use their experiences to strengthen the bonds and bonds of their immediate family.
“By living this lifestyle, we constantly stay busy with animals, build something or learn something. It takes us away from our phones and brings us closer as a family, ”he said. “Seeing the excitement on children’s faces when we have new babies is worth it. The girls are jumping, running outside, they are so horny. These little moments of happiness bring us together.
From hatching ducklings from eggs to building new enclosures for their animals, the Kesslers hope their work at 1AB Ranch will establish a family legacy they can be proud of for years to come.
“My idea is that in 10 to 20 years, when the girls come back with their families, they will be able to say, ‘Hey, we built this,’ said Thomas Kessler. “We really love doing this as a family. “
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