GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- This Spotlight features Airman 1st Class Dominic Davis, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency manager. He enjoys spending time with family, working out, hiking and collecting comic books. Originally from New Mexico, Davis hopes to begin graduate level education in either criminal justice or psychology and wants to pursue a career in Federal Law Enforcement.
- What led you to join the military?
Coming from a military and law enforcement family, it has always been my career goal to serve our country. After graduating from the University of New Mexico in 2017, I still had this passion to serve. I decided to join the military first, then afterward, pursue a career in federal law enforcement. Therefore, at the end of 2018, I began my enlistment with the U.S. Air Force.
- How does your job support the 17th Training Wing's mission?
As an emergency manager, we support the Wing’s mission by teaching Airmen and the base populace how to prepare, respond and recover from any kind of disaster both at home stations and deployed environments. These types of threats include: Natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents or accidents, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks. Additionally, our office is responsible for implementing and maintaining the Emergency Management Program across all the squadrons on Goodfellow. Therefore, by actively working to restore readiness, mission continuation is achieved each and every day.
- What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Working and interacting with multiple Airmen: enlisted and officers, permanent party and students through the multiple course we instruct. We instruct new Airmen straight from Basic Military Training all the way up to both officer and enlisted of senior leadership.
- What has been the most impactful moment in your career so far?
The most impactful moment in my career so far was on February 28th, 2020 when I experienced my first HAZMAT response. At the San Angelo Department of Public Safety Office, there was an unknown object that emitted an unknown odor within the building. Due to the unknown nature of this chemical, they evacuated the building and called the San Angelo Fire Department. Upon arrival SAFD requested assistance for Goodfellow AFB Hazmat and sampling team. I was a part of the sampling reconnaissance team that did the initial sweep of the building. During this experience, I put all my training and knowledge together to complete my task. It was a great experience to work with SAFD, our GAFD, and Bioenvironmental.
- What has been your biggest challenge in the military, and how did you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I have faced so far being in the military is being separated from my family. We are a very close, tight-knit family that used to see each other all the time. Now, only seeing them a couple times a year has been heavy on my heart. I overcome this challenge by being grateful for the time I do get to spend with them and not take it for granted. Every second counts when I am with them.
- What is one piece of information or advice you would like to pass on?
To the new Airmen coming into the operational Air Force, hold onto your motivation and drive for growth. Always put your best foot forward in all you do. Whether it’s for the Air Force, pursuing higher education, your family, or for yourself, give it your all. No one will care more about your career and your life than you. No one will do the hard work for you, so it is up to you, to put in the work in order to achieve what you really want for your life. If it was easy, anyone could do it, but it’ll take your full effort and the right mindset to become successful. You’ve made it this far, so why stop now?