EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Rank and Name: Staff Sgt. Jacob Maldonado
Duty Title: Weapons expediter, 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I have always strived to be part of something bigger than myself. The Air Force has allowed me to do that. I’m also showing my boys that if you set a goal in life and accomplish it, the rewards are vast and self-satisfying.
What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? The biggest moment for me was when I was selected to become the weapons expediter. I was very excited and also very scared. I knew I was capable of leading a group of people, but I never thought I could lead my entire weapons group to be such great people and workers. Together, we have achieved great accomplishments.
What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part is interacting with the variety of personalities of my co-workers, hearing their stories and seeing how they are developing as individuals and as team players.
Who inspires you and why? My wife and kids inspire me the most. Being able to go home and talk to them and hear about their days allows me to realize that no matter what goes on with work, I can always come home to their smiling faces.
What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? My favorite part of being in Alaska is the summer activities that my family and I can enjoy; camping, fishing, and of course baseball, soccer and basketball.