FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Rank/Name: Tech. Sgt. John Maher

Unit of assignment: Joint Personnel Recovery Agency

Duty title: NCO in charge of Urban Evasion

Hometown and State: Brooklyn, Michigan

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild Air Force Base?
I have the good fortune to work at the White Bluff, Washington facility where we help others develop the skills they need to protect Americans all over the world.

What do you enjoy about your job?
Over the past 10 years, I have developed some expertise regarding evasion in the urban environment and I do my best to provide lessons to others who may also need those skills.

Why did you choose to serve in the military? 
In the winter of 2004 my little brother was deployed to Southern Iraq in support of the 2nd battle of  Fallujah and the idea that others were fighting for my safety, while I was enjoying the college life, became too much to bare. So after three good years at Michigan State, I left and pursued a way to more directly support all the people who had previously supported me.

Time in military: 11 years

What is your greatest accomplishment?
You can't really judge the greatness of your own accomplishments but I did teach an illiterate adult to read. It made a big difference in his life and I'm proud of that.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild AFB?  
At the end of the day, my only real goal is to finish my career knowing that I didn't shy away from doing the things my country required because they were difficult.

What are your hobbies?
Wood working, outdoor sports and literature.

What is your best habit?
I try very hard to start by assuming that I have control over my life and career. And I eschew the idea that I am a product of things that have happened to me.

What are your favorite movies?
V for Vendetta, No Country for Old Men and The Last of Us

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him or her?
When I was in high school, I had a wrestling coach who was extremely diligent when it came to noticing all the things we did wrong and all the things we did right.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why? 
My grandmother died last spring and I'd really like to spend one more hour sipping Coors Light and watching a Lifetime movie with her.

A quote from a supervisor or someone in your leadership as to why you were selected as Fairchild's Finest.
"Never settle, strive to do your best, and always pose the question "why not?"
- Tech. Sgt. Chris Weichman