Staff Sgt. Rashid Watts

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Staff Sgt. Rashid Watts, 1st Special Operations Wing BattleStaff, was selected for this week's spotlight. 

Name: Staff Sgt. Rashid Watts

Unit: 1st Special Operations Wing BattleStaff

Duty Title: 1 SOW BattleStaff

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Entered the Air Force: Mar. 11, 2004

Hobbies: Cooking, lifting weights and traveling 

Why did you join the Air Force?
To continue my education and travel the world. 

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
We serve as a liaison between the Air Operations Center and the unit deployment managers for all 1st SOW deployments that support Special Operations Command requirements. We also coordinate personnel deploying in support of the national mission any time, any place.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The location, because it's close to Atlanta, New Orleans, Orlando and Miami.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
I love the opportunities to travel, to continue my education, the great benefits and meeting people from all over the world.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
My recruiter kept it real with me, so there's no complaints from me. 

What motivates you at work?
I'm motivated in knowing that the 1st SOW leadership relies on my expertise and have trust in my products day-in and day-out. Gaining and keeping the respect of my peers and leadership keeps me going strong, too.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My mother. She was a single mother for 11 years. I admire her efforts and her determination to make life better. She works hard to make ends meet and has made many tiring sacrifices for her family.

Advice to others?
Take advantage of as much travel opportunities as you can while your in the Air Force. There is a whole world out there waiting to be seen. You can make the best out of travel opportunities, even during deployments. Don't cheat yourself-- treat yourself!

Why was he selected?
"Sergeant Watts goes above and beyond in his normal duties to constantly improve the information content and process to the 1st Special Operations Wing leadership. He personally briefs the wing commander on the worldwide deployable status of more than 5,200 personnel throughout five geographic combatant commands. He redesigned the wing BattleStaff briefing, ensuring the accurate free flow of critical information to the 1st SOW senior leaders. He is also a pillar of the community in his off-duty hours. He volunteers his talent by building homes with 'Fresh Start - Children in Crisis,' ensuring brothers and sisters of disrupted families stay together. His professionalism and selfless service embodies the Air Commando ethos of the 1st SOW and is a tribute to all who serve on Hurlburt Field."
-Maj. Charles Chandler, 1st SOW BattleStaff director