Tech. Sgt. Earl Covel

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affiars
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Air Commandos. Tech. Sgt. Earl Covel, a  Tactical Air Control Party member assigned to the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron, which falls under the 720th Special Tactics Group , was selected for this week's spotlight. Sergeant Covel actually lives in Washington state but he is attached to a unit under the 720th STG.

Name: Tech. Sgt. Earl Covel

Unit: 720th Special Tactics Group

Duty Title: Tactical Air Control Party member

Hometown: Portland, OR

Date Entered the Air Force: March 19, 1996 

Hobbies: Sky diving and family.

If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would focus on the Air Force family. If the Airmen don't have what they need, in regards to support, our Airmen can't focus on the mission.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The ability to sneak away from Washington state from time to time.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
Serving my country.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
If you have college credit, you can come in with one or two stripes.

What motivates you at work?
The work ethic that the harder you work, the faster the work gets done.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My wife, without her in my life to motivate me and her never ending support, I wouldn't have been able to do what I have done in my Air Force career.

Advice to others?
Give 110% and then some...always.

Why was he selected?
"Sergeant Covel is an example for all Airmen. A Silver Star recipient, 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year winner and veteran Joint Terminal Attack Controller from Iraq and Afghanistan, he leads from the front and is a critical piece of airpower success in our nation's fight"
-Col. Robert Armfield, 720th Special Tactics Group commander.