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Rock Solid Warrior: Staff Sgt. Jeremy McKelvain

  • Published
  • 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Rank/First & Last Name: Staff Sgt. Jeremy McKelvain

Deployed Unit: 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron

Duty Title: Noncommissioned officer in charge, squadron aviation resource management

Home unit/station: 318th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

Family's military heritage: Not from a military family

What is your mission here? I ensure all aircrew are current and qualified to accomplish the mission. I also track training and flight hours for aircrew flight pay.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? Best part of the mission is knowing that our aircraft are providing support to other services, allowing them to travel safely.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? The biggest challenge was not having any prior experience working with the aircraft. Each airframe or major command does things a little differently so I had to do a lot of reading in the Air Force Instructions.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Back at home station I have about 100 aircrew members in my squadron and here I have a lot less. Also, instead of worrying about one squadron, here I work with four.

How many times have you deployed? This is my sixth deployment.

What makes this deployment unique? It really has to be not knowing anything about the aircraft and the challenges that come along with it.

Why did you join the Air Force? Can't really remember; but whatever the reason, I'm glad I did!