56th RQS Airman practices Service Before Self Published Jan. 29, 2009 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Staff Sgt. Jacob Groves, 56th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by his chain of command because he practices the Air Force core value of "Service Before Self." Commander: Lt. Col. Neil Eisen Time in Service: 7 years Time at Lakenheath: 2 years, 8 months Home Town: Gilbert, Ariz. Hobbies: Working out, mountain climbing, spending time with my family Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self - Sergeant Groves is a dedicated member of the Pararescue Team, 56th RQS and the Air Force. He constantly strives to improve his professional skills as a PJ and his personal life outside of work. Sergeant Groves is a self-starter who consistently accomplishes tasks at a level well above his pay grade, and sets the standards for every other member of the squadron. His personal dedication to duty and initiative have proven critical to the overall continued success of the only Combat Search and Rescue asset in the European and African Theaters of Operations. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I feel it is my responsibility to serve and defend the things that make the American way of life so great. It is the least I can do to preserve the freedom my family, friends and all Americans enjoy every day. What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? Relocating the 56th RQS from Iceland and setting up operations at RAFL while maintaining my PJ currencies and proficiencies; also, being promoted to staff sergeant and qualifying as an expert marksman. What are your personal and career goals? I want to get as much exposure and experience while serving in the Air Force, and travel the world with my wife and sons. My career goals are to complete my 7-level upgrade training and save as many lives as I can along the way, always living by the motto "that others may live."