BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Growing up in Caldwell, Sam Tucker listened to the stories of his grandfather, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Carroll Tucker, and his exploits as a B-17 Flying Fortress navigator in World War II.

As a result, young Sam Tucker knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up.

Maj. Sam Tucker is still living out his dream as a flyer in the backseat of an F-15E Strike Eagle in Afghanistan with the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

Recently, the Instructor Weapon Systems Officer, deployed from the 334th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., broke a milestone that few in his chosen career have reached — he surpassed 1,000 combat hours.

Breaking 1,000 combat hours is a huge feat, according to Lt. Col. Eric Trychon, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander.

Lt. Col. Christopher Anthony, 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, added: "Most guys are just hoping to get to fly 1,000 hours in the jet, let alone 1,000 hours in combat."

"I didn't think this would ever happen," said Tucker, a 12-year Air Force veteran. "It was always like a bridge too far for me, for everyone really."

Capt. Taylor Francis, a 4-year Air Force veteran weapon systems officer, said comparatively speaking, Tucker's accomplishment is like playing football as long as Brett Farve or playing baseball as long as Cal Ripkin Jr.

"It's day-in and day-out getting the job done and done well," Francis said.

Tucker prides himself in getting the job done. He not only has 1,000 hours in combat, but more than 2,300 hours in the Strike Eagle. Never one to shy away from his job or duty, he has deployed five times.

His first deployment was to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia, then twice to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia, and twice more to Bagram, Afghanistan, where he is currently serving out an extended deployment.

Tucker has flown in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Deploying so often has been made a bit easier for the major because of support from his wife and children.

"I'm six for 13 on anniversaries and have more pictures of my children's birthday parties than I've actually been to," Tucker said. "Luckily my family understands the mission and what it takes to get it done. My wife is a one-of-a-kind woman, they just don't make them like her anymore. I love her and my children dearly."

- Tech. Sgt. John Jung is with 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.