Liberty Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Leavelle Published Feb. 12, 2015 By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. John Leavelle, Jr. Unit: 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron Duty Title: NCO in charge of central storage Time in Service: 10 years Time at RAF Lakenheath: 1 year, 3 months Hometown: San Antonio Hobbies: Rock climbing and trail running Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self How does the individual portray these core values? Leavelle was submitted for a Liberty Spotlight by Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Guzman, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management flight chief. According to Guzman, Leavelle is always the first to volunteer to do what is required to get the job done. In addition to working 12-14 hour days while taking on the section chief role of the shop, Leavelle has taken on critical additional duties such as squadron physical training leader, Unit Control Center and squadron emergency management point of contact. Leavelle is consistently willing to sacrifice his time in order to take care of the mission and to take care of his Airmen. He embodies the core value of Service Before Self. Why did you join the Air Force? The Air Force is a family business; my dad and uncles served in the Air Force, and I wanted the opportunity to serve my country and to travel the world. How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing? My job is to lead a team of nine personnel charged with maintaining the 48th Fighter Wing's aircraft spares storage operation. Our job is critical to the 48th FW's mission because we account for and sustain the supply stock pile. If we fail to perform our job, aircraft can't get off the ground. What is your favorite part of your job? I like working in a bigger section, because I have the opportunity to work with a wide array of people. I also like knowing that I directly support getting 'birds' in the air. What drives you as an Airman? I make it a point to set a great example for my troops and peers. I am always striving to be the best at whatever the Air Force requires from me. What skills do you possess that set you apart from others? I enjoy teaching and educating my peers and troops, and I take personal pride in helping them become better Airmen. What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe, or where would you like to travel to? Munich and Paris have been my favorites. I also enjoyed spending time in Spain. I would like to visit Italy before my time at RAF Lakenheath is up.