Liberty Spotlight: Senior Airman Albers Published April 20, 2015 By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Senior Airman Michael Albers Unit: 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Duty Title: Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman Time in Service: 2 years, 8 months Time at RAF Lakenheath: 2 years Hometown: Portsmouth, Va. Hobbies: Automotive tuning and modification, and technical driving, including autocross and Gymkhana Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self How does the individual portray this core value? Albers was submitted for a Liberty Spotlight by Tech. Sgt. Justin Wilder, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant specialist section chief. According to Wilder, while driving home after work one day, Albers demonstrated Service Before Self as he helped save two lives. He was the first to the scene of an accident after a vehicle lost control, slid off of a narrow road and landed on its side partially submerged in a large drainage ditch. He rescued the barely-conscious mother and 7-year-old daughter from the car as it filled with water. He administered first aid and treated them for shock until medical assistance arrived. For his actions, Albers was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Pitsenbarger Award for heroism. Why did you join the Air Force? I joined because my father served 20 years with the United States Coast Guard and my grandfather served four years with the United States Marine Corps. It's in my family to serve. Also, I joined the Air Force because I wanted a more fulfilling career than being a union electrician. How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing? My job directly affects the mission at the 48th Fighter Wing. Jets without engines can't supply worldwide air power. What drives you as an Airman? My dad was an engine mechanic in the USCG, I learned a lot from him. Becoming as knowledgeable as him is what drives me to be better and learn more. What skills do you possess that set you apart from others? A skill that sets me apart is my mechanical mindset. My dad has always challenged me to look at things in a mechanical way and as an engineer. Most of my life has been learning and figuring out how things work and how to improve upon them. What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe, or where would you like to travel to? My favorite places to go are the mountains in Wales and the tunnels around London. Most of my friends, who share the hobby of working with and driving cars, are British. They have shown me some awesome roads to drive on in the U.K.