Misawa Spotlight: Senior Airman Jordan Cortes

  • Published
  • By the 35th Maintenance Operations Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  

Nominees rank and name:
Senior Airman Jordan A. Cortes

Where are you from?
Honolulu-Kalihi, Hawaii

What's your favorite thing about being stationed in Japan?
I've always wanted to visit Japan, and now I am able to check Japan off the list. In 2009 I received news that my follow-on from my tour at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, would be Japan. I waited patiently and now I am thankful to be stationed here to experience living in Japan.

Who has been your greatest Air Force mentor and what quality about this mentor do you value most?
The greatest Air Force mentors would have to be both my supervisors here at Misawa Air Base, Tech. Sgt. Atkinson and Staff Sgt. Smith. I had no idea what I was getting into when I got accepted to the Gold Flag Air Force Repair Enhancement Program. They made the learning experience exciting and fun. They expanded my service knowledge beyond that of my primary career field. Their professionalism and dedication to the Air Force mission is always top priority.

What is your primary professional goal at this point in your career?
To gain as much mechanical electrical experience as I can during my tenure as an AFREP Technician, and to take those new-found abilities back to the flightline to my primary Air Force Specialty Code as an Aircraft Armament, Weapons Loader.

What motivates you?
My parents and close individuals motivate me. All my actions revolve around family. So far in my career I've been giving them nothing but good news. From attending load competitions, and having the dream job here in AFREP, to receiving awards and my recent accomplishment of obtaining a line number for staff sergeant. It would be devastating for me to deliver something other than good news. They are the conscience that sits on my shoulders, to constantly remind me to be the best.

Describe the best day of your life.
The best day of my career was the day I enlisted in the Unites States Air Force. The Air Force gave me the opportunity to acquire new skills, and as a bonus to travel and see places. I can say it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.

What advice would you give to new Airmen?
Stick with positive people; if you can't find one, be one.

Supervisor's comments:
"When Senior Airman Cortes first came to AFREP I didn't know what to expect from someone with his technical background," said Tech. Sgt. William Atkinson, 35th Fighter Wing AFREP manager. "With that being said, Airman Cortes has continuously impressed me by facing all tasks head on and with a positive attitude. He always strives to increase his knowledge of the job which can range from fixing someone's printer to preventing the shutdown of a multi-million dollar engine test facility. He is, without a doubt, a major asset to the 35th Fighter Wing, and I look for a lot of great things from him in the future."