Electrical, environmental systems journeyman displays 'Excellence in All We Do'

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

Name and Rank: Airman 1st Class Joshua Shafer

Unit: 48th Component Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Aircraft electrical and environmental systems journeyman

Time in Service: 2 years

Time at RAF Lakenheath: 1 year

Hometown: Grass Valley, Calif.

Hobbies: Wakeboarding, archery, hiking, swimming and anything else outdoors

Core Value Portrayed: "Excellence in All We Do"

How does the individual portray that core value?

Shafer arrived on station with an ambitious attitude and was eager to exceed all expectations. His thirst for knowledge and tenacity in completing his upgrade training resulted in finishing all of his 5-level upgrade tasks in seven months, opposed to the 12-month standard. Furthermore, he completed his five-volume Career Development Course in three months while still displaying exceptional subject knowledge, evident by his score of 92 percent on the end of course exam.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

I feel like I'm a member of the Air Force family, and owe my brothers and sisters in arms my dedicated service. The Air Force has given so much to me in terms of providing for my family and giving me a stable career. I feel it is my duty to give back to my Air Force family.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?

Completing my upgrade training and CDCs as quickly as I did. Before I was task qualified, I felt like I wasn't able to contribute to my section. Now that I am fully qualified, I am able to give back and help our team accomplish the mission.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?

Obtain my bachelor's degree before my first enlistment ends and be promoted to senior airman below the zone.

What is your favorite part of your job?

When I see an aircraft that I worked on taxi or takeoff, it's extremely rewarding to know that my skills and hard work resulted in a successful flight.