Square D Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Craig J. Oas

  • Published
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  

Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. Craig J. Oas

Unit: 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron

Duty Title: Security Forces Fly-Away Security Team member

Time in Service: 5 years, 8 months

Time at Mildenhall: 11 months

Hometown: Munising, Mich.

Hobbies: Anything outdoors such as camping, hiking, hunting or fishing

Core Value Portrayed: Excellence in All We Do

How does the individual portray that core value?
"Each Airman is asked to live by the three core values: Integrity, Service before Self and Excellence in All We Do. It's hard to pick just one core value for Staff Sgt. Oas because he portrays each one very well. However, I will choose Excellence in All We Do," said Tech. Sgt. Rebecca K. James, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron flight chief from Fort Wayne, Ind. "Upon arrival at RAF Mildenhall in March 2013, Oas was assigned as an additional duty unit security manager. He immediately impressed me with his 'go to' attitude and drive while preparing the squadron for an annual inspection scheduled for May. Oas gave 110 percent of his effort into his duties which ranked his squadron in the top 3 percent of the wing security management programs. Furthermore, within his first 11 months on station he led a security mission, scored an overall 91 percent on the 7-level end-of-course exam, graduated from the Phoenix Raven and Air Force Special Operations Command Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element courses, and recently won the 2013 AFSOC Security Forces Support NCO of the Year Award."

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving is important to me because I am part of something bigger than myself. My whole family has served since my great-grandfather, and following a family tradition is a privilege and an honor. There is nothing better than keeping my family safe, whether it is from at home or thousands of miles away.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
It would probably have to be graduating the Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element course. It is a challenging two-month course and only a small amount of security forces members have the opportunity to go through it. To be one of those members is something special.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?
My personal goals are to first finish my Community College of the Air Force degree in applied science and then move onto my bachelor's. Professionally I would like to make technical sergeant the first time testing and retire from the Air Force in 20 years.

What is your favorite part of your job?
I would have to say deploying. I have completed three tours and one of the best things about it is getting to the deployed location and getting to do different parts of your job you might not get to do at your home station. For example, one day I could be outside the wire driving through Afghanistan and meeting the locals and the next day searching everything from vehicles to personnel. There is nothing better than being out in the field and away from your desk.