48th EMS Airman holds Service Before Self Published July 9, 2008 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Senior Airman Mathew Foster, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance journeyman, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by his chain of command because he epitomizes the core value of "Service Before Self." Commander: Maj. Darrin Dronoff Time in Service: 6 years Time at Lakenheath: 5 years 6 months Hometown: Phelps, Wis. Hobbies: Motorcycles, cars and music Core Value Portrayed: Airman Foster exemplifies the meaning of "Service Before Self." His level of technical expertise and ability to get things done has proved to be invaluable to the unit. Among his many achievements, he recently completed two major structural maintenance actions on two separate F-15 aircraft saving over 36 hours of aircraft down-time. In both cases he established new standards for time and quality of maintenance. He consistently steps up to fill the need for maintenance personnel on weekends, holidays and extended duty days to make sure our aircraft are ready to fly anytime, anyplace. His dedication to duty and commitment to the mission are something to be emulated. What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? My three desert rotations and the fact that my teeth are still cavity free. What are your personal and career goals? My goals include extrapolating every bit of technical knowledge I can to help me when my Air Force career ends and my next career begins. I also want to pass along all of the virtues instilled in me to my children.