Liberty Spotlight shines on EOD apprentice

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

Name and Rank: Airman 1st Class Austin Kotch

Unit: 48th Civil Engineer Squadron

Duty Title: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Apprentice

Time in Service: 1 year 11 months

Time at RAF Lakenheath: 8 months

Hometown: Conway, Ark.

Hobbies: Crossfit, playing the fiddle and video games

Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self

How does the individual portray that core value? Kotch demonstrates Service Before Self with his job and within the community. He is prepared at all times to respond to explosive emergencies in the local area and across his area of responsibility. He stepped up to work four continuous days in support of recovery operations and explosive rendering during an aircraft incident. His unwavering service led to the accountability and rendering of over 600 explosive items. Austin also demonstrates service outside of his normal duties by volunteering his own time to tutor battlefield Airmen on explosive hazards, increasing their ability to safely operate in non-permissive environments. Austin showed the same commitment to service as he developed a fitness program to prepare 25 new recruits for the rigors of Basic Military Training.

Why did you join the Air Force? After a semester of college, I soon realized that it wasn't for me and that I wanted to do something more meaningful and challenging. I chose the EOD career field because of its fast paced environment and the mental and physical challenges.

How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing? EOD supports any aircraft loaded with any type of explosive hazard, handles improvised explosive device threats in and around the local area, and responds when unexploded ordnance or other explosive hazards are discovered.

What drives you as an Airman? I always need to feel prepared physically and mentally, as much as possible. I never want to find myself in a situation in which I am not prepared.

What skills do you possess that set you apart from other Airmen in your shop? I believe in hard work and doing what needs to be done as soon as possible. I would rather have a task to accomplish well over sitting down and wasting the day away.

What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe or where would you like to travel to? The Netherlands