SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- We sat down with Airman 1st Class Dexter Cathey, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, to get to know him and how he helps make the 55th AMU the best in the Air Force. Cathey is best known for his maintenance skills with putting planes in the sky, his politeness and organization. You can catch him after work working on his car and visiting family in Charleston, S.C.
Where are you from?
I am from Bono, Arkansas with about 2,000 people in it.
Why did you decide to join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force because I had a lot of family influence, most of my family served in the military. My sister actually joined the Air Force a year before I did.
How long have you been at Shaw?
About four months now.
What is your favorite part of South Carolina?
I love South Carolina because it is close to my family and everything you could want to do is all here. My absolute favorite part of South Carolina is the Charleston area.
How would you describe a normal day?
A normal work day would be showing up for roll call, after that I get my tools. From that point on we designate certain people to certain jobs so we can do as much as possible.
What is your favorite sport? Team?
Definitely basketball, I played it in school growing up. My favorite basketball team would be the Lakers.
What is in your cargo pocket?
In my left cargo pocket, I have my notepad because when you are out here on the job it is important to write down any kind of useful information.
What is one word that describes how you lead?
I lead by example.
What is one Air Force resource you found that is incredibly beneficial?
All the different ways you can achieve your goals, whether that is education or hobbies, there is always a good resource or club for you to join.
What’s your outlook mailbox look like?
It probably has about five emails in it right now, I am the kind of guy that deletes emails after I read them, I hate the clutter.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
How intricate certain jobs within this one job can be, whether that’s working on the jet or documenting the maintenance. There is a lot of different things that go into this job that makes it pretty rewarding at the end of the day.
What is your least favorite task and how do you make sure you get it done?
Probably documentation. We have to document online, on paper and in a log book for the technicians. Being organized with my notepad helps me keep track of everything I have to write down at the end of the day.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Being out on the line and hearing the jets as they take off.