SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- We sat down with Staff Sgt. Jeremiah O’Toole, 20th Operations Support Squadron senior watch supervisor, to get to know him and how he helps keep the jets flying safely. O’Toole is best known for his awesome daily attitude and hard work. At home, O’Toole is a husband and father, as well as an owner of two dogs, a tortoise and lizard.
Where are you from?
Boston, Massachusetts
Why did you decide to join the Air Force?
I was going to school but, it wasn’t really for me. I wanted to change up working in a factory. I wanted a new beginning.
How long have you been at Shaw?
I just hit my two year mark.
What is your favorite part of South Carolina?
The proximity to the beaches.
How would you describe a normal day?
Depending on the day, sometimes the pilots are busy flying, sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes there’s bad weather, which could make our job easier or more difficult depending on the situation.
What is your favorite sport? Team?
My favorite to watch is football. My favorite team would be the New England Patriots. My favorite sport to play, however, is golf. I’ve been playing golf for a few years now.
What is one word that describes how you lead?
Intently.
What is one Air Force resource you found that is incredibly beneficial?
My supervisors and co-workers. A lot of people are always willing to help.
What’s your outlook mailbox look like?
Everything is checked off. It’s the end of the day and I was pretty productive today.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
We’re different from the Air Traffic Control in the tower. They control the local airspace, we control around 40 miles more.
What is your least favorite task and how do you make sure you get it done?
My least favorite task would be evaluation days. Once a week we go over everything we’ve done and, as a supervisor, I have to overlook all of them. I make sure it gets done by just pushing through.
What is your favorite part of the job?
It’s challenging. There’s always something new to learn. Every day is like a puzzle that you have to put together and solve.
What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
At this point in my life, it’s getting to see how excited my son is during Christmas.