Capt. Tad Tholstrom and Staff Sgt. Leah Potter

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a new weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Capt. Tad Tholstrom, 1st Special Operations Dental Squadron general dentist, and Staff Sgt. Leah Potter, 1st SODS assistant NCOIC of dental readiness, were selected for this week's spotlight.

Name: Capt. Tad Tholstrom and Staff Sgt. Leah Potter

Unit: 1st Special Operations Dental Squadron

Duty Title:
Tholstrom-General Dentist
Potter- Assistant NCOIC dental readiness

Hometown:
Tholstrom-Littleton, Colo.
Potter- East Jordan, Mich.

Date Entered the Air Force:
Tholstrom- Dental school (Air Force Reserve) in Jan. 2003; Active duty in May 2006
Potter- Aug. 2001

Hobbies:
Tholstrom- Sports, fly-fishing, traveling, learning languages, playing "Tigers" with my three children.
Potter- Shopping, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.

Why did you join the Air Force?
Tholstrom- I have always felt blessed with a sense of patriotism and pride in our great country. I never planned on serving in a formal capacity, but when the opportunity presented itself, it felt right. The experiences that I've had in the Air Force are very unique compared to private practice.
Potter- I was spinning my wheels and needed some direction. I came from a small town, which I truly love, but I needed a change in my life. It was the best decision I've ever made.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
Tholstrom- Keeping our Airmen fit to fight is the primary goal. However, opportunities to provide humanitarian treatment and be a part of "winning hearts and minds" can have a far-reaching impact on our overall mission effectiveness.
Potter- Our number one mission is to keep our war fighters ready to deploy at a moment's notice. We also take dental care to the field by providing treatment and training to host-nation locals.

If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force or Chief of Staff of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
Tholstrom- I don't think you could change much in a day.
Potter- Rome wasn't built in a day...

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
Tholstrom- The people. It's great to provide treatment for our Special Operations Airmen who are the real "Tip of the Spear."
Potter- The dental clinic. We truly have an outstanding group of people who exemplify one team one fight. Dental rocks!

What do you like most about being an Airman?
Tholstrom- Being united in a common cause as a team is rewarding. I also enjoy getting to work with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Potter- The opportunity to meet so many people from all over the world is pretty amazing.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
Tholstrom- N/A
Potter- To only take a light backpack. My suitcase got a little heavy after a few hours of holding it.

What motivates you at work?
Tholstrom- I really enjoy meeting new people and breaking down the traditional stigma of the dental experience. I am always motivated to provide quality care.
Potter- My patients motivate me. I'm here for them.

Who are your heroes/role models?
Tholstrom- My personal hero is my father. He instilled in me strong values and has always been the definition of what it means to be a good man.
Potter- My parents are my heroes. Both are prime examples of integrity and service. They've instilled great values for me to pass along to my children.

Advice to others?
Tholstrom- Floss.
Potter- Brush twice a day and floss the teeth you want to keep!

Why were they selected?
"Staff Sgt. Potter and Capt. Tholstrom are two outstanding members of the 1st SODS who have contributed significantly to the success of our dental operations here at Hurlburt Field. They reflect the Air Force Dental Corps slogan of "proudly serving and enjoying our service--a team sport." This month they are about to "bring the bite to the fight" by preparing to embark on a humanitarian deployment--the first ever for the dental squadron. They have prepared for this new mission from the ground up and are ready to bring dental services and goodwill to a part of the world that is less fortunate. Their dedication and mission-first attitude epitomize the Air Commando motto, "Any Time, Any Place."  -Col. J. Keith Paul, 1st SODS commander