Staff Sgt. David Santell, 460th SFS

  • Published
Staff Sgt. David Santell, a flight chief with the 460th Security Forces Squadron, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Mar. 13 - 19.

Sergeant Santell has served for nine years and calls Jamestown, Pa., home, where he says Mark Twain also had a house. His hobbies include physical training, shooting, hunting, fishing and reading.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"In the crawl-walk-run training approach to becoming a flight chief, Sergeant Santell skipped directly to the running phase," said Capt. William Fejeran 460th SFS Operations Officer. "He has done an outstanding job leading, managing and mentoring his flight. His good decision-making skills and quick thinking make him an indispensable asset to the squadron during day-to-day operations. Sergeant Santell is highly motivated and his devotion to duty sets him apart from his peers."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
I am directly responsible for providing leadership, supervision and technical expertise to a 28-person flight that protects an asset which provides early warning data to the Commander-in-Chief while also serving a military and civilian community of more than 13,900 personnel.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I would try to get the Air Force to be operationally proactive and more willing to take risks.

Why do you serve?
I serve because I am trying to make a difference.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Traveling and operating missions in about 62 different countries.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
The day I earned my Eagle Scout.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
I would probably be working in the communications field with my uncle as a private contractor because it pays well.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
I would like to be finishing up my career, hopefully as an officer and planning my next career move.

Military accomplishments:
Community College of the Air Force degree
Airborne School
Raven School
Sniper School