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Fairchild's Finest: Staff Sgt Valentin Larios

  • Published
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  

Name: Staff Sgt Valentin Larios

Unit: Joint Personnel Recovery Agency / Personnel Recovery Academy

Duty Title: NCOIC Survival and Evasion Operations


What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild Air Force Base? I conduct tailored, specialized training to select department of defense and Inter-Agency personnel on Survival, Evasion, and Recovery doctrine and TTPs.

What do you enjoy about your job? The most enjoyable part of being a SERE Specialist is the dynamic environment that I encounter on a daily basis that revolves around social interaction with students. It is vital to the USG that folks walk away with an understanding of what is required of them in any environment.

Why did you choose to serve in the military? I chose to enlist in the military as I was part of military functions and courses throughout high school. My older brother is in the Army and guided me into joining the Air Force.

What is your greatest accomplishment? Starting a family and continuing my pursuit of my educational goals.

What goals you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild Air Force Base? I hope to finish my BA in Intelligence Studies with a concentration on Latin America.

What is your best habit? Working hard and being highly enthusiastic.

What is your favorite quote? "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." -Steve Jobs

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her? Scott Wells - He taught me that I can learn something from everyone, even if it is what not to do. Also, to leave my legacy behind by working hard, helping others, and trying to make people and processes around me better.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why? President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, he was an inspirational, motivational and forward leaning leader who had great knowledge and responsibility to the US. I would really enjoy picking his brain on various topics!