Staff Sgt. Joseph Soldano

  • 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. Joseph Soldano, 505th Training Squadron intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance NCOIC, was selected for this week's spotlight.

Name: Staff Sgt. Joseph Soldano

Unit: 505th Training Squadron

Duty Title: NCOIC, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Curriculum Development

Hometown: Jamestown, N. Y.

Date Entered the Air Force: March 23, 2004

Hobbies: Okaloosa Islanders rugby, body building and writing

Why did you join the Air Force?
I went to the University at Buffalo for three years prior to joining the Air Force. Most of the students attending there were from New York City. I remember the day when the Twin Towers were attacked. The campus was speechless, school was canceled, and my friends' families back in New York City waited patiently for a call. I'll never forget the way that made me feel. From that day on, I told myself there was something bigger for me, something I was meant to do although I wasn't sure exactly what it was then. When I realized I could do something better for myself and continue on with my degree at the same time, the choice to serve in the United States Air Force was a no-brainer.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
I teach Air Force members how to fully accomplish the dynamic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission at one of the Air Operations Centers throughout the world. I not only teach them doctrinal information but also make them think "outside of the box," which will help them solve future dilemmas.

If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would encourage supervisors to set the professional relationship standards and expectations up front during their initial feedback. First, it addresses to the subordinate what kind of relationship will exist between the two. Second, it is a written documentation of what the supervisor expects from their Airmen in order to give them a five on their enlisted performance report if they deserve it and how to meet those expectations. Ultimately, this would help with any inflated EPRs. Lastly, I'd allow the subordinate to voice and document what they expect of their supervisor. Sometimes we as supervisors need to be reminded of what we can do for our Airmen as well.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
I couldn't have asked to work with better people, for a better squadron or mission!

What do you like most about being an Airman?
I like seeing myself progress as an Airman to an NCO and how I have grown and transitioned.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
If you think you know everything about the Air Force and your job, you don't know a thing!

What motivates you at work?
My motivation is to know that the work I do today and have done in the past protects the lives of my family and others now and for the future.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My parents, Albert and Rose Soldano. They raised five children, including one with Down's Syndrome, while my father served 27 years in the Army. In these times, that is astounding!

Advice to others?
I don't care what task you are about to accomplish, even if it's cleaning floors, always go above and beyond!

Why was he selected?
"Sergeant Soldano is a relatively recent addition to the 505th Command and Control Wing, however, he's made an immediate impact in his squadron, wing, base and local community. He was the 505th Training Group's NCO of the Quarter two times in a row. He was handpicked as the 505 CCW's envoy for the Air Combat Command commander's Order of the Sword ceremony. He's also a key member of the Okaloosa rugby club, Division III State Champions, and led his team's support of delivering food and gifts to more than 300 local families. He epitomizes the Air Force core values and his professionalism, dedication and work ethic on and off duty make him an invaluable asset to Team Hurlburt."
-Maj. Craig Barrington, 505th TRS assistant director of operations