Vehicle Operations Control Center NCO displays ‘Service Before Self’

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


Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. Ryan Dangerfield

Unit: 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Duty Title: Vehicle Operations Control Center NCO in charge

Time in Service: 8 years 10 months

Time at RAF Lakenheath: 10 months

Hometown: Jacksonville, N.C.

Hobbies: Video games, snooker and English billiards

Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self

How does the individual portray that core value? Dangerfield epitomizes the Air Force core value of Service Before Self by ensuring his professional duties take precedence over his personal desires. Dangerfield is one of the most knowledgeable and hardworking junior NCOs in the 48th LRS. When given a task, he is willing to work as long as it takes to ensure all deadlines are met.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I come from an outstanding lineage of military professionals, with family members who have served in the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. I feel that it is an honor to follow in my family's tradition and serve our great nation. I'm enrolled in college to complete my bachelor's degree, and I recently deployed in support of the Arctic Challenge exercise 2013 in Norway.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? I'm most proud of my time as the lead vehicle commander of an Air Force combat convoy team during my tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I led a team for nine missions, traveling more than 9,000 miles through enemy and improvised explosive device-laden roads. My team was credited with moving 12,000 tons of cargo to resupply 13 forward operating bases without any injury or loss of life.

What are your personal and/or professional goals? I want to complete my Community College of the Air Force degree before I leave Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and retire after completing 30 years of service.

What is your favorite part of the job? Although most units don't know the importance of vehicle operations to the Air Force, the mission would absolutely fail without us providing efficient and economical transportation. Knowing that fact gives us a sense of accomplishment.