Square D Spotlight: Senior Airman Gary Jurado

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

Name and Rank: Senior Airman Gary Jurado

Unit: 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman

Time in Service: 2 years, 6 months

Time at Mildenhall: 2 years

Hometown: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Hobbies: Enjoys playing and coaching the East Anglia Men's lacrosse team

Core Value Portrayed: Service Before Self

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
 I am the first in my family to join the Air Force. I always admired the discipline and respect associated with serving as veterans with the added benefit of pursuing a higher education while serving my country.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
 During my first two years at RAF Mildenhall, I was awarded Maintenance Professional of the Year for 2011 and was also selected for senior airman below-the-zone in 2012.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?
 Since joining I have completed my Community College of the Air Force degree in aviation maintenance technology and have earned 64 credits towards my Bachelors Degree in human resource management. My personal goal is to achieve a Masters Degree before the end of my enlistment and apply for officer training school when I achieve my Bachelors Degree in the spring of 2015.

What is your favorite part of your job?
 I was chosen to travel to RAF Waddington, England, to lead a six-man team comprised of U.S. Air Force Airmen and Royal Air force maintainers to revive a Royal Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System that had been grounded for one year.

How does the individual portray that core value?
"Airman Jurado is always the first to volunteer for a job," said Tech. Sgt. Rickey Gray, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Element Lead. "When I need anything done he's always been my go-to guy who consistently leads from the front. Although he's only a SrA he has never been afraid to stand up for himself or his peers. Jurado volunteered to work even though he is 10 days out from PCSing -- we had to tell him, 'No' to that request. He is dedicated to mission success and has the knowledge and skill it takes to make that happen. He will greatly be missed by all."