48th OSS Airman embodies Excellence in All We Do

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Master Sgt. William "Radio" Godwin , 48th Operations Support Squadron wing HH-60G weapons and tactics chief, HH-60G aerial gunner instructor , was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by his chain of command because he portrays the Air Force core value of "Excellence in All We Do." 

Commander: Lt. Col. Mark Ciero

Time in Service: 19 years

Time at Lakenheath: 2 years

Hometown: Riverdale, Ga.

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and two daughters, drawing, music

Core Value Portrayed: Sergeant "Radio" Godwin embodies the core value of "Excellence in all we do." He tackles every challenge from his tactical responsibilities as a gunner to his responsibilities as a father with the same drive and determination to succeed. Two specific instances bear mentioning; the first was a question that I asked him about SATCOM. In less than three hours, Radio researched the answer personally and then he put me in contact with the deployed HH-60 subject matter expert to ascertain theater specifics. Second, he recently volunteered to work on a children's puppet show for his church. As with any other task, Radio worked tirelessly and used his personal leave days to insure that the show was a tremendous success. These two instances are only a small sample of the excellent work performed for the 48th Fighter Wing by Sergeant Godwin.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
I believe in what my country stands for; Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, etc. I'm willing to fight for my country's freedoms and our way of life. I also feel it is an honor to serve my country. 

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
17 Rescue Missions (11 combat, 6 peace time). My fondest rescue you might ask? Pulling three Americans out of the ocean off the coast of Okinawa. They had been missing for more than an hour, and there was a Typhoon 600 miles off the coast. We found them three miles away from the beach they were originally playing in the water. They were clinging to a banana canoe in 10 to 15 foot waves. One had almost given up on life. But we pulled each one of them out of the water.

What are your personal and career goals?
Finish my degree. Match and hopefully exceed my father in what rank he held in the Army. He retired as a E-8, I want to top him!