Senior Airman Richard Murphey

  • 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. Senior Airman Richard Murphey Jr., 1st Special Operations Maintenance Operations Squadron weapons systems coordinator, was selected for this week's spotlight. 

Name: Senior Airman Richard Murphey

Unit: 1st Special Operations Maintenance Operations Squadron

Duty Title: Weapons systems coordinator

Hometown: Waycross, Ga.

Date Entered the Air Force: Dec. 11, 2007 

Hobbies: Working out, sleeping, sports and eating.

Why did you join the Air Force? 
I joined the Air Force primarily for the education benefits, to commission as soon as I'm able, to travel and to be a role model for others.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
Through intermediate-level maintenance activities, we ensure that avionic systems such as weapons control, navigation, flight control, and fuel quantity systems are fully capable to operate under any condition and keep those planes flying to complete the mission.

If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would definitely put more emphasis on fitness. Squadrons should be more focused on morale-boosting events instead of the usual run, sit-ups, etc. We don't have to be perfect, but since we are in the military and PT is a part of our duties, we should take it more seriously. If health and fitness weren't a part of our requirement to join, then anybody could join. Maintaining fitness is just as important because Airmen look to their supervisors and if they don't try to maintain the standards, then the Airmen may question themselves on why they should, too. I personally don't like mandatory PT, but my motivation to stay in shape helps me take the initiative to stay proactive.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
It's the location- I like how like how there is always something going on here.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
I'm just very grateful to have the opportunity to make a difference in millions of lives all while gaining valuable experience in never-ending training.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
Nothing. I pretty much knew what I was getting into and did all my research prior to joining.

What motivates you at work?
My determination to be a commissioned officer in a few years and knowing that everything I do has a major impact on the mission at hand.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My mom is my #1 supporter and encourager, even when I don't feel like talking sometimes.

Advice to others?
To always be optimistic, be yourself and always understand that your best successes come from your worse mistakes. And when you think you're not setting an example, you're still setting an example.

Why was he selected?
"We would like to nominate Airman Murphey from the 1st SOMOS Maintenance Operations Control Center. He monitors and coordinates sortie production, maintenance production and execution of the flying and maintenance schedules while maintaining visibility of fleet health indicators. Through this coordination with maintenance units, he communicates priorities for competing limited resources based on daily flying schedule and maintenance priorities." 
-Master Sgt. Ryan Leith, 1st SOMOS first sergeant