Fairchild’s Finest: Senior Airman Joshua Kearney

Senior Airman Joshua Kearney, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspects the tail end of a KC-135 Stratotanker Jan. 12, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Kearney’s leadership team selected him as one of Fairchild’s Finest, a weekly recognition program that highlights top-performing Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Fairchild’s Finest: Senior Airman Joshua Kearney

Senior Airman Joshua Kearney, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspects the brake system of a KC-135 Stratotanker Jan. 12, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Part of the job as a crew chief is to fully inspect the aircraft for any maintenance problems. Kearney’s leadership team selected him as one of Fairchild’s Finest. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Fairchild's Finest: Senior Airman Joshua Kearney

Published Jan. 14, 2015

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Rank/Name:
Senior Airman Joshua Kearney

Unit of assignment:
92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Duty title:
Crew Chief

Hometown and state:
Tampa, Florida

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild AFB?
Inspect and maintain the KC-135 Stratotanker.

What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy having a direct impact on the mission by keeping the KC-135 ready at all times. I enjoy knowing the fact that I have a direct impact on peace keeping efforts around the globe.

Why did you choose to serve in the military?
It's a bit of a family business; it just felt natural to me.

Time in military:
3 1/2 years.

Family:
I have a tiny, but a close-knit family. I'm the youngest of three kids, all of whom are serving or have served in the Air Force. We aren't all able to get together often, but when we do it's usually a good time. They each bring their own wisdom and advice from their life experiences.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
It sounds cliché to say, but my greatest accomplishment is my military service. It takes a lot to leave your home and step out into the unknown. Leaps of faith, while scary, help you grow as a person.

Goals you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild AFB?
Currently I'm in the middle of my master's degree, my goal right now is to graduate in mid-2015.

Hobbies:
Ping Pong, Frisbee golf, softball, camping/hiking, and spending time outdoors.

Your best habit:
Punctuality. I hate being late.

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her?
My father, I spent a lot of time with him growing up. He was my baseball coach, and through those experiences has taught me a lot about life and what it means to be a man. He's passed down many things he's learned from his father, which have helped immensely.