Air traffic controller lives, breaths 'Excellence in All We Do'

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Name and Rank: Tech. Sgt. Leonard Jackson

Unit: 48th Operations Support Squadron

Duty Title: Air traffic control tower watch supervisor 

Time in Service: 12 years

Time at Lakenheath: 1 year, 2 months

Hometown: Detroit

Hobbies: Racing motorcycles, traveling and cooking

Core Value Portrayed: Sergeant Jackson epitomizes the Air Force core value of "Excellence in All We Do" as a team leader who provided the first-ever pre-deployment English familiarization to Spanish Air Force air traffic controllers. He displayed excellence by bridging highly technical, job-related language barriers and exuded exemplary professionalism while he simultaneously forged integral allied friendships. In embracing "Excellence in All We Do" as a part of his life, he consistently affords himself the ability to meet the diverse challenges of air traffic control and the responsibility associated with being an NCO. Similarly, his "life embrace" of the value enables him to lead by example and spread the core value beyond Air Force boundaries, resulting in contributions to the success of a larger team.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? 
I made the decision to serve because I think we live in the greatest nation in the world. By joining in the Air Force, I'm afforded the chance to give back to my country.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? 
The greatest accomplishment in my military career can be seen on a regular basis. To train an individual and then to have the opportunity to watch them successfully progress in their career is a very rewarding experience.

What are your personal and career goals? 
My personal goal is to complete my degree in human relations and to make master sergeant my first time testing. My career goal is simple: I'd like to advance in the ranks to chief master sergeant. While, I feel that every rank can make a difference, as a chief you can use your knowledge and experience to influence and inspire change.