Misawa Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Donnell Owens

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  • By the 35th Maintenance Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Nominees rank and name: Staff Sgt. Donnell Owens

Where are you from? Woodbridge, VA

What's your favorite thing about being stationed in Japan? I would have to say my favorite thing about being stationed in Japan is the relaxed culture and lifestyle. Misawa is not as fast-paced as a lot of bases I have been at in the states.

Who has been your greatest Air Force mentor and what quality about this mentor do you value most? My greatest Air Force mentor has been my first shop chief, Master Sgt. Halstead. I was stationed with Master Sgt. Halstead at my first duty station, which was Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. He taught us a lot with a tough love mentality. At the time, I thought he was a little rough around the edges, but in all actuality he set the standard. He lead by example and lived by the core values, while expecting the same from his subordinates. Master Sgt. Halstead definitely set the standard throughout my career.

What is your primary professional goal at this point in your career? My primary professional goal at this point in my career is to one day make chief master sergeant. Attaining the rank of chief master sergeant is the pinnacle of an enlisted member's career. I realize that only a small percent ever make it, but being a chief has to be one of the greatest accomplishments.

What motivates you? I would have to say my family is my motivation. Making sure I continue to provide for my family, put food on the table and make my family back home proud. Also I strive to be the best at what I do in order to set the best example for my children.

Describe the best day of your life. The best day of my life would have to be the day I graduated from basic training. This was the best day because basic was finally over and my flight and I were able to walk with our heads high. Also my whole family was able to make the 26 hour trip from Virginia to Texas to see me graduate, which was a huge surprise.

What advice would you give to new Airmen? We all joined for a reason, and over time some tend to lose sight of that. With that being said, my advice to a new airman would be to stay focused and motivated enough to reach your goals.

Supervisor's comment: "Staff Sgt. Owens is a great asset to the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Che Dacalio. "He exemplifies the true meaning of a leader through volunteering, continued mentoring and leading to his subordinates and fellow peers by example."