EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --
Rank and Name: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Campanella
Duty Title: 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 25, Air Education and Training Command, aerospace propulsion instructor
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio.
Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Serving in the Air Force is important to me because I want to create a legacy for my children to draw inspiration from.
What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of the work my fellow instructors and I do every day. When we come to work, we show up ready to instruct critical courses needed by the 354th Maintenance Group. The classes we provide are in-depth maintenance training courses to help the wing complete its mission every day.
What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is watching the light bulb come on for those I instruct. In recent years, the Air Force has relied heavily on computer-based training, and it is nice to know some things are best taught in-person, and hands on. In one of the classes I teach, we spend five weeks tearing down and building back up a 3.8 million dollar jet engine. There are times where students are overwhelmed and stressed with the unbelievable task of having to know every part of this amazing machine, but we take it slow and I allow them to move at their pace as I guide them. Eventually, everything comes together. They leave the class with a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience, which is a great honor for me as the instructor.
Who inspires you and why? I get my biggest inspiration from the other men and women I serve with. When I can witness a true professional at work, who does the job the best they can, not for reward or recognition, but because they care about the job they have been charged with, it empowers me to work harder every day.
What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? My favorite part of Alaska is knowing someday I will get to say I experienced its vastness and its sight, and I no longer have to suffer the bitter cold winters.