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WOW: Senior Airman Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Weasel of the Week series asks Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, heroes, experts, and all-around great Airmen to share their likes, dislikes, Air Force spirit and personalities.

We sat down with Senior Airman Matthew Day, 20th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equip journeyman, to get to know him and how he helps make the 20th OSS the best in the Air Force. Day is best known for his awesome skills in the shop and his ability to bring morale to his office. You can also catch him boxing after work, hiking and traveling.

Where are you from?
I am originally from Arlington, Massachusetts.

Why did you decide to join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force because my grandfather served over 20 years in the military, and college just wasn’t my thing.

How long have you been at Shaw?
A little over two years.

What is your favorite part of South Carolina?
The outdoors.

How would you describe a normal day?
A normal work day starts with opening up shop and get pre-flight checks done; making sure everyone is good to fly. After pre-flight checks I work on daily gear like helmets, harnesses and G-suits.

What is your favorite sport? Team?
My favorite sport to play would be boxing, to watch would be football. My favorite team is the New England Patriots.

What is in your cargo pocket?
I usually have my watch and a screwdriver.

What is one word that describes how you lead?
With heart.

What is one Air Force resource you found that is incredibly beneficial?
My favorite resource would be my good support system, non-commissioned officers and Airmen I work with.

What’s your outlook mailbox look like?
A lot of unread emails.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
How much detail goes into it, I think a lot of people who come in for fam rides get a real understanding of how much we do.

What is your least favorite task and how do you make sure you get it done?
My least favorite task would be night vision gear. I usually ask for help from though.

What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is the relationship we get with the pilots, we get to know them for who they are as a person. Some people look at officers and maybe get a little nervous but we have an extremely healthy and friendly working environment.