MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Each week a member of the 35th Fighter Wing is selected as the Wild Weasel of the Week. This individual is recognized by a different unit each week based on superior performance, outstanding work ethic, and overall good conduct and discipline.
The 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron chose Senior Airman Spencer Meister, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit scheduler, as their Wild Weasel of the Week.
What is your daily mission?
Our mission is to establish production schedules to meet the 35th Fighter Wing mission requirements for 44 F-16 Fighting Falcons, aerospace ground equipment, munitions, and associated support. We ensure group commanders are advised of maintenance capabilities, limiting production factors, and adherence to maintenance schedules.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy the amount of responsibility that comes with my job. It can be a lot to handle but the skills that I have obtained throughout my time within this career field have been extremely beneficial in many different aspects of my life, all of which I am grateful for.
Why did you choose to serve in the Air Force?
The military has always been a huge part of my life growing up. I have two grandfathers who have served long before myself, as well as my brother who is currently in the Air Force. I always looked up to my brother and seeing firsthand how beneficial his time in the Air Force had been for him, I knew that it was something I wanted for myself.
What is your favorite thing about living in Japan?
I don’t know where to begin. Japan is such a beautiful country and seems to have everything to offer. Within the past two years, I have witnessed some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen here. Japan continues to amaze me, not only with the activities like snowboarding, which I was able to do for the first time in my life here, but the kindness of the people you interact with.
Who has been your best mentor and what have they taught you?
Throughout my career I would have to say my best mentor has been Tech. Sgt. Jason Mowatt who has actually just received a line number for master sergeant (big congratulations to him). He has consistently displayed a very professional demeanor and continues to teach me new innovative ways of thinking to accomplish tasks throughout my day as quickly and efficiently as possible. His work ethic is very impressive and the overall knowledge he has about our career field and the Air Force is extremely useful. I hope to one day be just as successful.
How long have you been stationed at Misawa?
This past May made two years for me here in Misawa.
How long have you been in the Air Force?
I have been in the Air Force since 2013.
What goals do you want to meet while at Misawa?
I want to travel all over Japan as much as I possibly can and really take advantage of the wonderful opportunity I have been given.
What goals do you want to meet during your Air Force career?
I want to continue toward my education and accomplish my goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Supervisor’s comments on why you were selected:
“Senior Airman Meister was chosen to be our unit’s Wild Weasel of the Week due to his strong work ethic and dedication to the mission. He has proven himself time and again that he can be dependable and relied upon to take on any tasker sent our way all while possessing the most positive attitude.” - Tech. Sgt. Jason Mowatt, 35th AMXS plans, scheduling and documentation section chief.