Taking care of business Published April 11, 2014 By Brian Shreve Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Ernie Wood's workstation may not be cluttered with trophies or a golden nameplate. But, if John Lennon was correct in saying a working class hero is something to be, Wood, 568th Electronics Maintenance Squadron electronics mechanic, certainly lives up to the song. Charged with the vital task of maintaining and repairing flight control computers and signal data converters for aircraft, Wood represents another unsung piece of the fabric that keeps Robins flying. "This computer takes care of all the mechanics of the plane itself," said Wood. "If it malfunctions, it could send the plane into an uncontrollable roll. For the pilot's safety and for all the electronics to work, this computer has to work." Wood, 53, is a Warner Robins native and the father of four adult children. He added that his father, Ernest Wood, was the city's first fire chief. Prior to coming to Robins in 2010, he managed his own lawn care business before setting sights on a new career altogether, enrolling at Middle Georgia Technical College for electronics. Barry Williams, electronics supervisor, called Wood an "outstanding employee, quick learner and hard worker," one who has never once been late for work. "What I like best about being here is the people," said Wood. "I like what I do, and I can't say enough about these people."