Staff Sgt. Joseph Liccini

  • 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 Liccini, 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, was selected for this week's spotlight.

Name: Staff Sgt. Joseph Liccini

Unit: 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Crew chief

Hometown: Avon, N. Y.

Date Entered the Air Force: April 16, 2002

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and friends, motorcycling and fishing

Why did you join the Air Force?
I felt a strong sense of duty after the events of September 11, 2001 and wanted to serve my country.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
We perform and supervise Airmen who carry out maintenance on the AC-130U gunship. We also keep the aircraft in the air so the aircrews can train at their home station and keep the pressure on the enemy in the area of responsibility.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The mission! I haven't been to another base that has the same mission and tempo like Hurlburt Field's.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
The camaraderie with everyone--I like sharing stories about where we have been and what we have done together.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
I came in not knowing the great magnitude of the fact that I would be responsible for not only a multi-million dollar national asset, but the lives of other people every time I sign off a form--it is quite an obligation.

What motivates you at work?
Knowing that there are lives at stake when I perform maintenance and sign off a write-up for the aircraft. I treat all of the aircraft like I personally will be flying on it, as I sometimes do.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My dad and Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

Advice to others?
Keep your nose to the grindstone and great things will come about. Supervisors notice those who perform the mission and choose their battles carefully. If you feel that something is wrong, make sure you have everything in order before you bring it up to your supervision.

Why was he selected?
"Sergeant Liccini was awarded the 1st SOAMXS's 2009 Chief Master Sgt. Thomas N. Barnes Award for Crew Chief of the Year. The award recognizes the crew chief who made the most significant contributions to the Air Force's operational mission. Sergeant Liccini is a crew chief whom all maintainers should aspire to emulate. He's one of the "go-to" crew chiefs in the squadron."
-Senior Master Sgt. Michael Hoglen, 1st SOAMXS first sergeant