The “In Focus” series is a monthly feature that puts the spotlight on some of the 419th Fighter Wing’s best and brightest Reserve Citizen Airmen. Find it on Instagram @419fw
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Staff Sgt. Vaughn Pranter, 33, is a registered respiratory therapist in Provo, Utah, but also serves here in the 419th Medical Squadron.
He said from a young age there was a “gravitational pull” toward the Air Force Reserve, even though his father served in the Army (a Vietnam vet) and his grandfather served in the Navy (a WWII vet).
Pranter calls himself “a super wealth of useless knowledge” due to his eclectic interests. He said he’s a “total nerd” when it comes to movies – anything from Marvel to Star Wars – but he’s also a gun enthusiast and respectable cook.
“While everyone else is watching football games, I’m watching Food Network and cooking videos on YouTube.” Those grill skills come in handy for the family man, as he cooks for his wife and three children.
The reservist has a trove of degrees, including three associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and one from Community College of the Air Force. “I know a little bit of everything,” he said. Next up, a Master of Business Administration.
Although his interests are “random” and “weird,” Pranter says his favorite hobby is spending time with his family.