At Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, a five-airplane fleet meets the daily demands of consumers who enjoy the company’s potato rolls and other products. Aviation supervisor Dave Smith ’10 keeps it all running smoothly and safely. However, his path to Martin’s was neither quick nor simple. While working toward an engineering degree at Messiah, Smith completed the Army ROTC program offered through Dickinson College. After graduation, he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, which led to flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He then worked for the Navy as a system engineer, which led him to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA). After graduating from PIA’s 16-month program, Smith heard about an opening at Martin’s for an aviation mechanic. After applying to several jobs and receiving offers, he and his wife Katrina (Campbell) ’10 prayed about the decision. “God has proven that we made the right choice,” he said. “Over the last year and a half, amazing doors have opened that my wife and I never imagined possible.” Aviation mechanics inspect aircraft while also performing and supervising preventive maintenance. For Smith, the best parts of the job are troubleshooting and coordinating the hangar operations. “It’s a gratifying feeling to get into the books, test various aspects of a system and pinpoint the root of the problem,” said Smith. “It is immediate feedback to see how my work is making a difference.” Even after all Smith has accomplished, he says Messiah’s engineering program was one of the most challenging things he has ever done. He said, “Messiah taught me the values of spiritual exploration, spontaneity, effective studying, problem solving and personal confidence.” He continually sharpens his skills as a pilot and mechanic with dreams of one day serving as a missionary pilot, helping with humanitarian relief with his wife. “If the past 10 years are any prediction, God is preparing us for something big,” he said. —Gabrielle Kurtz ’18