Liberty Spotlight: Senior Airman VanBallegooie

  • Published
  • By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  

Name and Rank: Senior Airman Joshua VanBallegooie

Unit: 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 56th Helicopter Maintenance Unit

Duty Title: Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman

Time in Service: 3 years, 9 months

Time at RAF Lakenheath: 1 year, 3 months

Hometown: Clearfield, Utah

Hobbies: Vehicle maintenance, snowboarding, rock climbing, traveling, wakeboarding and sports.

Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self

How does the individual portray that core value?
VanBallegooie is always looking for ways to better his workplace, the community and those around him.  He's a regular Royal Air Force Lakenheath and community volunteer. He supports Operation Warmheart, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, the squadron booster club and the local village of Hockwold cum Wilton. 
     
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force for the benefits, potential career opportunities and the chance to see the world.

How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing?
I work in the 56th Helicopter Maintenance Unit. My job is to provide safe, reliable and by-the-book engine maintenance on the HH-60G Pave Hawks assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron. These are the aircraft that go out on sorties into the thick of the fight and pull wounded or downed military personnel out from behind enemy lines.

What drives you as an Airman?
I have multiple drives. The first and foremost is the lives my aircraft may save. The best experience I can have is when an aircraft I have performed maintenance on comes back from a battlefield full of bullet holes after saving wounded warriors who will survive because of the maintenance I performed. Also, I strive to be the best engine maintainer possible, while constantly bettering myself and others within my unit. I take any chance I can to learn more about the aircraft and all the careers tied to it.

What skills do you possess that set you apart from other Airmen?
I worked on other aircraft before coming to this unit, so that allows me to have alternative outlooks on solving maintenance-related issues. 

What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe, or where would you like to travel to?
I haven't had the chance to travel just yet, but I would like to travel to mainland Europe and visit Spain, Italy, Belgium and Sweden, as well as any other country I can.