SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Weasel of the Week series asks Team Shaw to share their experiences, Air Force spirit and personalities. We sat down with U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thaddeus Thomas, 20th Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman, to get to know him and his job. Thomas patrols the installation, provides notifications and is a Base Defense Operations Center controller. He plans on completing his bachelor’s degree in Public Health and becoming a commissioned officer.
Where are you from?
I’m from Tampa, FL.
Why did you decide to join the Air Force?
I wanted a change, to get out of my comfort zone and see the world.
How long have you been at Shaw?
I have been at Shaw for about two and a half years.
What is one Air Force resource you found that is incredibly beneficial?
Tuition Assistance. Some people can’t afford school, but the Air Force makes it so easy to get started. Tuition Assistance is one of the many reasons I joined.
What is your favorite part of South Carolina?
My favorite part is the weather, I love all the rain we get here and like that it doesn’t get too cold.
What is your favorite part of your hometown?
My favorite part about Tampa was being so close to the beach.
How would you describe a normal day for you?
My routine varies day to day. Some days are quieter than others but I am usually patrolling and providing notifications. On a busy day, I could be following up on noise complaints or handling an incident at the gate.
What is one word that describes how you lead?
Passive. I like to let my Airmen do what they need to do and then step in when they need me.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
I wish people knew that we aren’t the bad guys and we aren’t trying to ruin your day. We just have a job to do and standards to uphold.
What is your favorite sport? Team?
My favorite sport to watch is football and my favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. Tennis is my favorite sport to play though.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is getting out of my comfort zone. I never saw myself issuing someone a ticket. I also love training our new Airmen, watching them grow and learn is rewarding.
What would you like to say to the people back home?
I’d like to thank them, because I definitely wouldn’t be here without them pushing me and showing me right from wrong.