Aviano's Finest: Master Sergeant-Captain Category

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  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Rank/Name: SMSgt David Batiz

Unit: 31st Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Test, measurement and diagnostic equipment flight chief

Hometown City, State and/or Country: Brownsville, Texas

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission? I lead 30 Airmen and 1 civilian to provide calibration services for the Southern European region. My team supports 68 owning work centers throughout the 31st Fighter Wing as well as 38 regional work centers. In all, I'm responsible for the accuracy, traceability and reliability of 6,104 pieces of test equipment ranging from aircraft fixtures to fire truck pressure gages to pediatric scales. If a piece of gear makes a measurement for the US Air Force or our allies in Southern Europe, and the measurement must be right, it probably has an Aviano AB Precision Measurement and Equipment Lab calibration label.

What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture? Three years is nowhere enough time to explore all of the history Italy has to offer. I feel very humbled when touring Italy to come across buildings that are several hundred years old. I discovered the depth of Italian hospitality when my landlady appointed herself as my "Italian Mom" for the duration of my tour. Adjusting to the pace of Italian culture has been a bit of a challenge. "Repozo" stands in stark contrast to the 24/7 continence of life in the States. However, when businesses are open I've found the customer service to be second to none.

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas? My favorite advantage is the opportunity to learn a new language from native speakers.

What's your favorite European destination and why? To date, my favorite destination is Venice, Italy. The traditional attractions, canals and shops, are simply amazing to me. And the location offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. For example, I got to see Lance Armstrong compete in the first leg of the Giro d'Italia bike race on Lido Island.