Fairchild's Finest: Staff Sgt. Andrew Jackson

Published Feb. 1, 2013
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --

Name: Staff Sgt. Andrew Jackson

Unit: 92nd Operations Support Squadron

Duty title: Air Traffic Control Watch Supervisor

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild Air Force Base? As an air traffic control, I "keep' em separated." I control the local aircraft traffic pattern and issue landing/take-off clearances to Helicopters and KC-135s. I also issue long range clearances to departing aircraft and support the Wing's alert aircraft mission.

What do you enjoy about your job? Every day is a new puzzle with complex ever changing variables. Weather, pilots, and different airframes always make for complex decision making to ensure the safe daily operation of all users of the Air Traffic Control System.

Why did you choose to serve in the military? As a kid, I always wanted to follow my grandfather who served with the Flying Tigers in WWII.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at the Fairchild Air Force Base? To become a dual-qualified Air Traffic Controller (Tower and Radar Accomplished) and complete my Bachelors degree in Computer Science from the University of Management and Technology.

What is your favorite quote? "Live life to the fullest" -Ernest Hemingway

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her? My father. He taught me to work hard for the things I want.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why? President Andrew Jackson, I just feel we have something in common. It would be interesting to talk about the transition from Major General to President and the very difficult decision made during his Presidency.