SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hanes, 52nd Fighter Wing conventional maintenance production supervisor, has been named the 52nd FW Top Saber Performer for the week of May 30 through June 5.
Name: Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hanes
Unit: 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron
Duty title: Conventional Maintenance Production Supervisor
Hometown: Yukon, Oklahoma
Years in Service: 8
Why joined: I looked up to my grandfather and my uncles who served in the military. My grandfather was a bombardier in World War II. He flew 53 missions during his time while my uncles served during Vietnam. One uncle was a radio man and the other was artillery. The sense of pride they represented was the inspiration I needed and reason why I had to join.
Family: Alicia (spouse), ShayLynn (daughter), Dalton (son), Orie (dog), Neiko (cat)
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, i.e. snow skiing, all sports, traveling, fishing
Favorite aspect of job: I get to build munitions and work with explosives. Ammo is where it's at.
Most memorable AF experience: Was when I was deployed to Balad AB, Iraq during the period that Saddam Hussein received his punishment. Once his death was announced, a jubilant cheer engulfed the entire base as well as from the local populace which was rejuvenating.
Within just a few days, we came under heavy mortar and rocket fire in proximity to the Munitions Storage Area (MSA). One of my primary duties was to account for all personnel within the MSA. It was a very emotional period for the entire base, but fortunately I was able to establish 100% accountability without anyone receiving any injuries in just 10 minutes.