Aviano's Finest Airman Basic-Technical Sergeant Category

  • Published
  • By 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 31 FW/PA
Aviano Air Base --  First & Last Name: Louis Phillips

Rank: Technical Sergeant

Unit: 8th Air Support Operations Squadron (8 ASOS)

Duty Title: Section Chief, Logistics

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission?
I supervise the maintenance and personnel in 8 ASOS's Logistics Section, which is comprised of four work centers and $5.2 million worth of ground-to-air radios, tactical vehicles, generators, weapons, and other tactical equipment. That equipment is used by our unit's Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC's) to provide Close Air Support (CAS) training for the 31st Fighter Wing's 555th and 510th F-16 squadrons. As a result, the F-16 squadrons are able to prepare for and stay proficient in CAS scenarios they face while deployed.
What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture? Italians live 'la dolce vita', the sweet life. This means that they live a rather relaxed lifestyle and enjoy life as it is. They enjoy spending time with family, sitting in cafes, shopping leisurely at markets, and cherish quiet Sundays.

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas?
Being stationed overseas allows me to experience other cultures and their traditions. Each and every culture is unique in its own way and has certain characteristics that we can appreciate and learn from.

What's your favorite European destination and why?
Berlin. It is a city that has evolved through many historic phases and challenges into a multicultural modern hub with unique architecture and culture. The phase that is most interesting to me is the reconstruction after the Second World War and the American involvement during the Berlin Airlift.