Staff Sgt. Jared McCartney, 120th Fighter Squadron, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Feb. 15

Published Feb. 16, 2010

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Jared McCartney, 120th Fighter Squadron, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Feb. 15. Sergeant McCartney is from Round Mountain, Nev., and has served in the Air National Guard for four years. He enjoys swimming, tennis and wrestling with his kids.

Why was Sergeant McCartney nominated for Warrior of the Week?

"Sergeant McCartney is nominated for Warrior of the week because he exemplifies what an Airman in the U.S. Air Force should be. His work ethic paired with his outstanding attitude is what every Airman in the U.S. Air Force should strive for. He is more than willing to accept new challenges and always strives to concur and complete any task put in his way with a great work ethic and proactive thinking. He is the go-to guy that his peers seek to for mentorship and solid work knowledge. His camaraderie within the team has made the Aircrew Flight Equipment shop not only a more productive shop, but has increased the morale to an astonishing level. He is a great Airman that sets the bar in all that he does and the reason why he was selected as the 140th Wing Airman of the year!" said Maj. Mike Gommel, aircrew flight equipment officer in charge.

What do you enjoy most about your Job?

My job in the Colorado Air National Guard is the best-kept secret in the military. My daily routine is anything but routine. I am awarded the opportunity daily to do something different every day. I may be rigging a parachute on Tuesday and teaching water survival skills to aircrew on Thursday. In the Colorado Air National Guard, I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by the greatest mentors in the military that make my job so enjoyable.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I would have to say being selected as Airman of the Year. That is pretty amazing. There are so many great Airman in the Colorado Air National Guard. To be singled out as the best is a great accomplishment. I have had many other accomplishments as well that I am proud of. I am husband to a great wife; she truly is my light. I am also a father to two great sons (future Airmen).

Why is serving your country important to you?

The reason why I serve has evolved a few times over the past four years. The first time I saw my son look up at me, I started thinking about the people in this world that would do him harm. I started to think of all the other sons, daughters, husbands and wives that would be hurt by people whose sole purpose is to do them harm. This was my first inspiration to enlist in the Guard to serve my state as well as serve my country. After my time at basic training and tech school, I returned home only to deploy to Iraq within a year. It wasn't until the plane ride home from Iraq that I started to reflect on my experiences during the deployment, some good, some bad. The plane landed in Bangor, Maine, to refuel around 1 a.m. We had about a two-hour delay. I remember walking over and down the ramp and being greeted by well over thirty veterans and their families clapping. Some were veterans of World War II, some were veterans of Vietnam and Korea. I'll never forget the tears in their eyes and the pride that emulated from every pore of their bodies. I remember a gentlemen giving me his cell phone telling me to call my mom and tell her I made it back to the America in one piece. At that exact moment my reason for serving was solidified. I serve for the people of the United States of America. I serve in the Colorado Air National Guard.

What are your personal and career goals?

The career goal that comes to mind is doing an Arctic Tour of Duty. It is something that not a lot of people get to do. I want to look up at the night sky in the Arctic and see all the different stars. I have also set a goal to make Command Chief. I have a Command Chief coffee mug on my desk. People ask about it and I laugh and say, "dress for the job you want." I think it would be an amazing accomplishment to even be named Air Guard Command Chief. I think with a little luck and the continued support of the Colorado National Guard, it won't be long.

Personal goals are harder for me to define. Not only do they affect me, but my family as well. I would like to continue to raise two of the greatest sons in the world. They are destined to do great things with their lives. The love for a child is truly an amazing thing. I'm still looking for some beach-front property somewhere in the U.S. Virgin Islands to retire to as well.

Is there any advice you'd like to give to fellow Airmen?

My advice to young airman would be something that was passed down to me. Everyday strive to be the best at whatever it is you do. If all you do is answer phones all day, answer the phone better than anyone else. Take the time to do your absolute very best. Demand perfection in yourself, and to the people you mentor. Volunteer for everything you can. It will have such a positive impact on everything you do on and off duty. One last thing, above all always remember that in life attitude is everything!