927th Air Refueling Wing Spotlight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Lockley
  • 927th Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL --  Name: Danishon Felder

Rank: E-6, Technical Sgt.

Squadron: 927th Wing Safety

Duty title: Ground Safety manager

Civilian occupation: Diet technician

What was your reason to join the reserve?

It came down to a career decision. I had been active duty for 10 years and was offered a great position in the civilian sector. Upon fulfilling my obligation I did not totally want to be apart from the Air Force so I went to an Individual Mobility Augmentee position. I performed this for two years when I was approached to join the 927th Air Refueling Wing. I had done research on Traditional Reserves, but did not fully understand their role. I spoke with some people in wing for about a month and joined. I was and still am grateful for the opportunity because it is more than I imagined.

How long have you served within the 927th?

I have been with the 927 ARW for 7 years. I joined in July 2007 as a Diet Technician with the 927 Aeromedical Staging Squadron. It has been an amazing ride so far. I crossed trained into the Safety career field February 2012 and this was the best move of my career. I found a career I enjoy every single day.

What have you learned since being in the 927th?

I have gained so many valuable tools since joining. First and foremost a totally different respect for the reserves based on the stereotype that one may think. This is a strong community of men and women who serve the Air Force in a different aspect, but they fight the same fight. I have witnessed outstanding leadership and been mentored by some of greatest people across the wing. The 927th has made me not only a better leader, manager, and NCO, but a better person in general.

What is the most important aspect of your job?

Constantly trying to minimize the loss of Air Force resources and protect personnel. Safety is such a wide realm because mishaps can happen anywhere and anytime. As safety professionals we have to ensure all regulations, training operations, and directives are followed accordingly. We take our job very serious and if something happens we ultimately feel responsible as what more could we have done to prevent it.

Being a TSgt, what wisdom could you instill to younger airman?

Seek mentorship! This was a lesson I did not understand at first, but as we mature and move up rank, building relationships is key in professional growth. We are surrounded by a diverse group of individuals and gaining insight to their testimony, culture, and or career path can be highly valuable. But also and just as important, maximize your education. Continuing education such as working toward a degree or PME should not be an option. It should come into fruition.

Being awarded NCO of the quarter is an honor but what's next for you?

This was a huge accomplishment for me. I was just working hard, going to school, supporting wing activities, and volunteering like I should as an NCO. So to be rewarded for it makes it all worthwhile and I'm very appreciative. Next for me is finishing up my CCAF this month and just continuing working on my M.B.A. These are two huge milestones for me that I set as goals a couple of years ago. 

How strong of a work ethic do you have in order to be successful at your job?

I pride myself on a strong work ethic. It defines character in my opinion. Every person should have a purpose at their job or whatever it is they do for a living. And with that purpose comes hard work. I am a firm believer that hard work and dedication will not only yield results, but rewards. Work hard even when no one is looking and it becomes habitual.