48th MOS Airman demonstrates Service Before Self Published May 9, 2008 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Staff Sgt. Jonica Parker, 48th Maintenance Operation Squadron assistant base engine manager, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by her chain of command because she practices the Air Force core value of "Service Before Self." Commander: Major Greg D. Buckner Time in Service: 7 years Time at Lakenheath: 6 years 5 months Hometown: Washington D.C. Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, and Liberty 56 Core Value Portrayed: Sergeant Parker epitomizes all of the Core Values but "Service before self" truly stands out. It is not just her military service she puts first but community service as well. It's either coming in on the weekend to take care of deployed aircraft requirements or working on Liberty 56 and Church projects at home during her off time. You can not find a better example of selflessness. - Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? My Grandfather and father served in the Army, and my uncle and brother are both in the USAF; family tradition. I serve in hope to make life better for tomorrow, because this is the world my children will have to grow up in. Serving has also instilled discipline and gave me direction for my life. -What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? Meeting so many people from different backgrounds and traveling the world! In the Washington D.C. area I didn't see a lot of diversity and many of the people I know will never get a chance to leave the local area, let alone the country. The friends I have now come from all over the world and I have learned so much about different cultures.