Fairchild's Finest: Staff Sgt. Julie Chaffin

Staff Sgt. Julie Chaffin, 66th Training Squadron military training leader, speaks with a survival, evasion, resistance and escape student about charge of quarters duties at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 14, 2013. Chaffin has been selected as a member of Fairchild’s Finest. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño/Released)

Fairchild's Finest: Staff Sgt. Julie Chaffin

Published May 28, 2013
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Name: Staff Sergeant Julie Chaffin

Unit: 66th Training Squadron

Duty title: Military Training Leader

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild Air Force Base? I lead and mentor future SERE Airmen who are in training at Fairchild in all aspects of their daily life. I assist them with daily duties, physical training, military instructions and help them make the transition into military life.

What do you enjoy about your job? I love knowing that I have impacted someone's life when I go home every night. New Airmen have so much weight on their shoulders while they are attending training, so it is rewarding to be able to answer their questions and help them solve problems that I can take some of that burden.

Why did you choose to serve in the military? I never knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I knew I wanted to help people. The Air Force happened to be the perfect way for me to do that.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at the Fairchild Air Force Base? My main goal for my assignment at Fairchild is to be the mentor that many Airmen will look up to and strive to be like one day.

What is your favorite quote? "Do something every day that you don't want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain." ― Mark Twain

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her? My favorite mentor is my old First Sergeant, Master Sergeant Marie. He taught me that simply smiling and asking how someone is can change their whole perspective.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why? I would love to spend one hour with David Baldacci. I really enjoy his books and would love to talk to him about his inspirations and accomplishments.