Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a monthly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor, 1st Special Operations Component Maintenance Squadron mission systems journeyman, was selected for this month's spotlight.

Name: Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor

Unit: 1st Special Operations Component Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Mission systems journeyman

Hometown: Oak Lawn, Ill.

Date Entered the Air Force: Nov. 17, 2009

Hobbies: Bass guitar and roller derby

Why did you join the Air Force?
College wasn't a good fit, and I wanted a job I could be proud of.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
We repair radar systems so pilots are able to do their job.

If you were Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
Try to better prepare Airmen-in-Training for when they become operational. 

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The people here are great, and, coming from the North, it's nice to have warm weather all the time.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
I like knowing that I'm responsible for all my actions and all the work that I do. If you skate by doing the bare minimum, people notice. If you work hard and do the right thing, that will get noticed, too. 

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
Basic Military Training isn't hard, but trying to work well with so many girls will frustrate you to no end.

What motivates you at work?
Our shop has good leaders, and people have good attitudes. I want them to feel that I'm reliable and a hard worker.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My older brother is a U.S. Marine, and he inspires me to work to the best of my ability every day and make the right decisions in my life.

Advice to others?
Have a good attitude when you walk in to work. No one likes someone who's in a lousy mood all the time.

Why was she selected?
"Airman Taylor is an outstanding part of the 1st SOCMS team and mission. She excels at everything she does and was recently selected as our squadron's Airman of the Quarter. Prior to her arrival at Hurlburt Field, she served as an element leader in BMT overseeing 49 recruits in her flight. She currently manages the electrostatic discharge program in the Avionics Flight ensuring the proper handling of vital electronics. During our recent Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection, her areas were rated "Outstanding." Outside of her Air Force duties, she helped raise $1,400 for breast cancer awareness and volunteers at the local Boys and Girls Club remodeling their facilities. Whether it's repairing a million-dollar antenna or raising money for charity, Airman Taylor is truly a phenomenal Airman and is perfectly suited to be spotlighted as Hurlburt Field's Tip of the Spear."
-Chief Master Sgt. Scott Doremus, 1st SOCMS superintendent