GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- This spotlight features Staff Sgt. Levi Freeman, 312th Training Squadron Military Training Leader.
1. How does your job support the 17th Training Wing's mission?
As a military training leader, I play a direct role in force generation for the Air Force. In basic training, the Airmen receive the basic foundational building blocks of what it means to be an Airmen. When they arrive at technical training our job as MTLs is to be front line supervisors for 50-100 Airmen. Our mission is to ensure they internalize the values they learned at basic training, and help them further develop Airmanship qualities such as dedication to duty, attention to detail, and followership. Since the 17th Training Wing’s mission is to train, develop, and inspire the future force, I would say our job is vital to ensuring the Air Force receives quality Airmen and helping them grow prior to becoming operational.
2. What do you find most rewarding about your work?
My primary Air Force Specialty Code is Security Forces, and being a defender is something I am extremely proud of. The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting to work with firefighter students and developing key components that contribute to being a successful first responder. On my side of things, I find it extremely rewarding to build their confidence, discipline, motivation, and determination.
3. What has been your biggest challenge in the military, and how did you overcome that challenge?
Like many people in the military, my biggest challenge has been missing out on all of the family events that occur while I’m away, such as births, holidays, and gatherings in general. To overcome this, I find solace in the friends I have made along the way that turn into family. Oftentimes we develop bonds with people we meet that become unbreakable, which is one of the greatest benefits to being in the Air Force.
4. What has been your most memorable experience in the military?
My most memorable experience thus far would be my re-enlistment. I was re-enlisted by Lieutenant Ching, who I first met at Nellis AFB when he was brand new to the Air Force. He is a great leader in every way, and was also the person who informed me I was selected for promotion to SSgt in 2017.
5. What is one piece of information or advice you would like to pass on?
The key to building successful relationships is not just communication, but communication with compromise. Be willing to meet not only your subordinates halfway but also your leaders, and the whole team will flourish.
6. What led you to join the military?
I did not want to squander the opportunity to serve my country, which was provided to me by all the great men and women who wore the uniform before me. I internalized their sacrifices they made so I may continue on a legacy that they established.
7. What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are traveling, reading, drawing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.
8. What do you want to accomplish during your time here at Goodfellow Air Force Base?
I would like to leave knowing I gave it my all, and hopefully made a positive difference in thousands of Airmen’s lives, I hope they are better off from having served under my leadership and direction.
9. What has been the most meaningful experience you have had on Goodfellow?
The most meaningful experience for me was a phone call I received at work from an Airman who struggled administratively during technical training. I worked with this Airman for countless hours to get him on the right track, and he called letting me know he was selected for promotion to Senior Airman Below The Zone. It was good to hear that he continued to apply the lessons I taught him and that he was rewarded for his hard work.