Avionics Intermediate Section team leader epitomizes 'Service before Self'

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  
Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. David Silva


Unit: 48th Component Maintenance Squadron


Commander: Major Richard Boatman


Duty Title: Avionics Intermediate Section team leader


Time in Service: 5 years, 8 months


Time at Lakenheath: 4 years, 10 months


Hometown: Palm Bay, Fla.


Hobbies: Surfing, mixed martial arts, and capoeira


Core Value Portrayed: "Service Before Self"


How does the individual portray that core value?

Staff Sgt. Silva consistently demonstrates "Service Before Self" no matter what task or challenge is presented. Whether it's lending his expertise to ensure Airmen in upgrade training receive proper skill level development, personally assisting physically challenged children to compete in the Joan Mann Special Olympics, aiding engineers in the AOR to restore satellite data imagery to a sister unit's RC-135 aircraft or instructing jiu-jitsu classes to more than 160 coalition forces while deployed; Sergeant Silva is always willing to work beyond his duty hours to guarantee every task is complete.

His selfless dedication shined through when his Test Measurement Diagnostics Equipment management program for the Avionics Intermediate Section was identified as "benchmark" during the 2009 ACC/USAFE Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Team inspection. No matter what assignment Sergeant Silva receives, he takes ownership and believes it is paramount to go the extra mile in making our Air Force the most dynamic group of military personnel anywhere in the world. This young sergeant is the finest example when it comes to dedication and motivation. Sergeant Silva epitomizes "Service Before Self."

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

I feel it is important to serve my country and be a representative for the U.S., which means I must communicate a positive representation of Americans through my behavior. Also, it feels good to wake up every morning knowing I have an important job to do by keeping F-15's flying.



What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?

My proudest accomplishment was earning my Associate's degree. It was hard to find time with my work schedule, and I had to make it a priority over my hobbies. I am using the same discipline to finish my Bachelor's degree in Biology and obtained a personal training certification this year.


What are your personal and career goals?

My personal goals are to first complete my degree in Biology and eventually earn my Master's in Zoology. Professionally, my next goal will be to complete my 7-level under a different airframe in April when I depart to my next assignment.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is deploying. When I deploy, I feel that my impact on the mission increases ten-fold because my maintenance is in direct support of F-15's completing real world missions.