FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild's Finest is a weekly recognition program that highlights top-performing members of Team Fairchild.

Rank/Name:
Tech. Sgt. Ian Powell

Unit of assignment:
336th Training Support Squadron

Duty title:
NCO in charge, Network Operations

Hometown:
San Antonio, Texas

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild Air Force Base?
We provide communication support for the U.S. Air Force Survival School.

What do you enjoy about your job?
As small as it may sound, I have the utmost honor to lead my work center of five personnel. We have a small shop, but a large responsibility. Nothing makes me happier than to be their servant leader; I enjoy the ability to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed, both professionally and personally.

Why did you choose to serve in the military?
It is a family tradition, with most of the men in the Powell line. I had the desire to be a part of an organization that was far greater than myself.

Time in military:
19 years.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild AFB?
To retire from active duty with honor.

Hobbies:
Scuba diving, camping and sleeping--usually in that order.

Your best habit:
Stick with my convictions, regardless of pressure or ridicule. The path to do right is small and narrow. Although I've sometimes stumbled, I've always done my best to do what is right.

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her?
From one of my first supervisors, Master Sgt. Keith Lackey, I learned the value of humility, truth and taking care of those that work for you. If you take a passionate, invested interest in your Airmen, everything else will fall into place.

What others are saying about this week's Fairchild Finest:
"Powell is the epitome of a quiet professional. He works until the job is done, and signs everything he does with excellence. He does not brag, but if you press him he can tell you war stories that will make your hair stand up, though to him, it was just part of what he was asked to do." - Lt. Col. Kelly Hannum, 336th Training Support Squadron commander.