Square D Spotlight: Senior Airman Nikolaus Schmidt

  • Published
  • By 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Name and Rank: Nikolaus Schmidt

Unit: 100th Security Forces Squadron

Duty Title: Reports and Analysis Clerk

Time in Service: 4 years

Time at Mildenhall: 2 years

Hometown: Spring Valley, Minn.

Hobbies: Bartending, traveling, watching football, and hockey

Core Value Portrayed: Excellence in All We Do

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Tradition partially. My great-grandfather was in the military during World War II, my grandfather on my dad's side was in the Air Force, and my dad's brother was in the Air Force and my uncle on my mother's side was in the Navy. However, the main reason for me serving in the Air Force is to protect and serve the country that I love. It's the least that I can do. I didn't join to just go to school or just to have a job or health benefits or to travel, those are just little added bonuses. I raised my hand and enlisted because I wanted to. I wanted to serve in the best branch of the U.S. armed forces and to be the best part of that 1 percent.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
I have many accomplishments during my career that I'm proud of, but the one that stands out to me the most would have to be earning marksmen with the M-16, M-4, and M9. Many people might see that as something small but for me, especially being security forces, it's big and I'm proud of it! I wear that ribbon and device with pride and honor.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?
My personal goal when out of the military would probably be one of the best bartenders out there. I have a second job as a bartender right now working at the Galaxy Club and I enjoy bartending. My professional goal would also fall as a personal goal I think. My goal is to be the best at what I do. Simple and to the point, no need to sugar coat it.

What is your favorite part of your job?
That is a tough question sometimes, especially as a defender. Unfortunately we see a lot of bad things in the world being defenders and not many people actually realize that. For me being able to help someone, whether it's something small or big is my favorite part of my job, and being able to protect millions of dollars worth of assets or hundreds of people. Being in reports and analysis, my favorite part of my job would probably be that every security report has to come through me before it gets sent out to first sergeants and commanders or to whoever needs the report.

How does the individual portray that core value?
"He is always quick to accomplish the task at hand and do it at 110 percent the expectations of the point of contact or agency requesting his service," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Garcia, 100th SFS NCO in charge of reports and analysis. "Schmidt has a positive mindset about everything and is willing to go out of his way to help those in need. Schmidt always amazes me as he goes far above and beyond his rank in leadership skills and work ethic. He is truly a great asset not only to our section but also to the 100th SFS and RAF Mildenhall."