455th EMXS Airman practices Service Before Self Published May 28, 2008 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Tech. Sgt. Thomas Flammger, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron (48th EMS) aircraft metals technology craftsman, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by his chain of command because he demonstrates the Air Force core value of "Service Before Self." Commander: Maj. Darrin Dronoff Time in Service: 11 years, 6 months Time at Lakenheath: 1 year Homtown: Arcade, N.Y. Hobbies: Video games, watching movies Core Value Portrayed: Sergeant Flammger emanates Service Before Self. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan and repaired an Army Apache gunship structural longeron. His actions returned this asset to combat-ready for our Army counter parts. Sergeant Flammger's job experience as a metals technology specialist at RAF Lakenheath prepared him for joint operational tasks such as this. His actions reflect credit upon Team Liberty and the United States Air Force. I'm proud to be in charge of this young group of professionals. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I love my job. What are your personal and career goals? I'd like to earn my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and I'd like to stay in the Air Force long enough to retire.