Fairchild's Finest: Senior Airman Joshua Thaxton

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Nominee's Rank/Name: Senior Airman Joshua Thaxton

Unit of assignment: 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron

Duty title: Requirements and Optimizations Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance Representative

Home town and state: Beulah, Michigan

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild AFB?
I conduct wing-wide CES real property asset management and accountability/policy implementation in preparation for the International Business Machines TRIRIGA program launch.  

What do you enjoy about your job?
I appreciate that I have a voice in decisions that affect my craft at such a young rank. I am humbled at the opportunity to have a direct impact on the "big picture" of CE's present and future successes or failures. 

Why did you choose to serve in the military?
I joined to do my part in protecting the greatest nation in the world, and I believe the best way to do that is by serving alongside men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to do so.

Family?
I am happily married and have two brothers and two sisters.

How long have you been in the military?
Five years and nine months

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is earning the John L. Levitow award upon completion of Airman Leadership School.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild AFB?
I want to make a difference in my squadron and for the Airmen that follow. I want to leave here knowing that I've helped make Fairchild better.

What are your hobbies?
I love to fish, hunt, play softball on and off base, help out downtown and do small projects around the house.

What is your best habit?
I think my best habit is going to the gym every morning before the duty day with my wife, Kate. I truly believe that it strengthens our relationship and, of course, keeps me fit to fight.

What is your favorite quote?
"I'm not interested in doing what's easy; I'm interested in doing what's right." - CMSAF James Roy, Chief's perspective: Now is the time for bold leadership.

What are your favorite movies?
I'm a big fan of John Wayne and Robert Redford films, and, of course, superhero movies.

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her?
My favorite mentor was Staff Sgt. Gary Payne, separated. Before he reassigned to Langley Va. we deployed together when I was a brand new Airman 1st Class and he not only taught me our trade, he showed me the value of being a good Airman and to never accept mediocrity. 

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why?
If I had one hour to spend with any one person, I would spend it with my wife. Though she would never acknowledge it, she's the strength in our marriage and the glue that holds our relationship together through deployments and when things aren't easy. I believe she deserves any hour that I can get away and just focus on her. 

What Senior Airman Thaxton's leadership is saying:
"Senior Airman Thaxton is a valued addition to our Requirements & Optimization team. He fully accepted the challenge of filling an NCO position and has risen to that challenge by performing remarkably well in his primary duties as the sole representative from the Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance shop. Senior Airman Thaxton motivates others through his display of hard work and innovation. He is always seeking ways to improve himself and the team, such as creating a weekly fitness challenge and organizing the monthly volunteer event at the homeless shelter. Senior Airman Thaxton is truly one of Fairchild's finest," 2nd Lt. Amanda Kennedy, 92nd CES requirements and optimization officer in charge.