When directing a big-budget commercial, AJ Bleyer often is surrounded by race cars, low-flying helicopters, and explosions. But now, he’s also working as a special assistant for communications to the Air Force — a role that has opened his eyes to the people protecting the country.

“I truly can't imagine a more meaningful use of my time or application of my skill set than giving back to the country in this way,” Bleyer, pictured, said during an interview ahead of MOAA’s TotalForce+ conference, where he will speak in his capacity as a civilian. The event will take place Oct. 28-29 in National Harbor, Md.

“Just as important as it is to communicate the power and impressiveness of our airframes and our equipment and our training, there is also the stories of the people and the way in which the organization is run,” Bleyer added, noting not just the importance of recognizing servicemembers but also their families back at home. “[They’re] an important part of our defense strategy. It's an important conversation to have, and it's really critical to us being ready and capable for the fight ahead.”

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Q. What inspired you to take on a special duty assignment with the Air Force?

A. I was first exposed through a program called the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, which is essentially a special distinguished visitor program put on once a year. Certain civilians are invited to the Pentagon, and they get to meet the secretary of defense and spend a day with each branch. I learned how unique all the services are, how unique their mission sets are, and about their culture.

But there was one [recurring theme]: It was the crisis around recruitment and how important messaging has become as a strategic priority. And I'm like, “That's the one thing I know how to do.”

When I returned to Los Angeles, I felt inspired by the whole experience. I was invited to return, and the conversations after that program continued. I eventually took the oath, which has been by far the most exciting, surreal, and meaningful adventure of my lifetime.  I truly can't imagine a more meaningful use of my time or application of my skill set than giving back to the country in this way.

Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Nancy Dolan inducts AJ Bleyer to the Senior Executive Service during an April 4 ceremony in the Pentagon. (Photo by Andy Morataya/Air Force)

Q. What message are you bringing to TotalForce+?

A. As I began to learn more about the larger [national security] landscape, one of the many moving parts I found to be really important to our readiness was the way we care for and support the families at home, which is a huge part of our defense landscape. It's something I would like to bring more attention to in the civilian world. 

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Q. What are some memorable experiences you’ve had interacting with the U.S. military?

A. It's been a wild ride. Over the last couple of years, I've been on a nuclear ballistic submarine. I've been on aircraft carriers. A couple of weeks ago, I was hanging out of the back of an MC-130 [tanker] as a CV-22 Osprey [tilt-rotor aircraft] came up and refueled right in front of me.

I will always remember my first time arriving onto an installation as a civilian who had never done that before. I was hanging out with all these people and couldn’t help but feel like I was hanging out with a bunch of cops; no one was in trouble, but it isn't the most relaxing setting. But as I've spent more time in this environment, an interesting thing happened —the uniforms kind of melted away. As amazing as the Air Force airframes are — and the training and the weaponry — you really do get struck by how amazing the people are.

One of the things that was the most impactful was learning about the apolitical nature ... it made me feel a lot more impassioned about serving without necessarily getting into the Washington mix of things. It really exposed me to amazing people from all walks of life that want to serve something bigger than themselves.