(446th AW PA) - Most Reservists have their reasons for joining the Air Force Reserve.

For some it may be for the education and training. For others, it could be the satisfaction of serving their country on a part-time basis while being able to work as a civilian and live in their hometown. But many just simply want to serve their country the best they can.

A prime example is a Reservist in the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who "walks his talk" about serving in the Air Force and having the will to make a difference for the United States, despite the sacrifices he makes during the process.

Master Sgt. Brian Lidyard, 446th AMXS expeditor, has been with the 446th Airlift Wing since 1981 and has been through 10 deployments since 2002. He just returned from his most recent tour in Iraq in January.

"Brian brings a lot to the table with his experience," said Lt. Col. Luke Upton, 446th AMXS commander. "He lives the (Air Force) Core Values and gets chosen for deployments because of his experience and his willingness to serve."

Lidyard volunteered for all but one of his deployments, which was a short-notice deployment in 2005.

"I was informed that I'd be going on a deployment to Iraq and I needed to be ready to leave in 48 hours," said the Boeing functional test technician.

Lidyard explains why he volunteers.

"Deep down, I am very patriotic," he said. "Plus, I want to make my Reserve career mean the most it can to me and my country and I want my family to be proud of me."

Speaking of family, his wife of 31 years and three sons support his choice to serve in the Reserve.

"My wife knows the passion I have to serve my country," said Lidyard.

Just one of the battles he had to deal with on the home front while he was away was dealing with his mother's fight with cancer, not once, but twice. "My mother was diagnosed with cancer twice, four years apart," he said. "They were both during deployments, but she has survived. My mother was conditioned to deployments with my father being a retired Marine. She never once wanted me to stay behind. She is a fighter."