Aviano’s Finest - U.S. Civilian Category

  • Published
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Unit: 31st Maintenance Squadron 

Rank: Civilian 

How long have you worked for the military? 2 and a half years 

Title of address: Mrs. 

First & Last Name: Jaimie Crawford 

Duty Title: Secretary 

Hometown City, State and/or Country: Chicago 

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission? I provide mission critical administrative support to the commander of the maintenance squadron, group and wing that keeps vital information flowing. I manage suspenses and administrative processes that support more than 600 military members assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron. 

What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture? Living in a little out-of-the-way village where nobody speaks English allows me to immerse myself in the language and is the best way to experience the true Italian culture. I think Americans are just as friendly and care just as much about family and people in the community as Italians. One important area where we differ is in our outlook on how our careers fit into our lives. It's said that Italians work to live, while Americans live to work, and I think this is true to a great extent. I love America and our way of life, and there's nowhere else in the world I'd rather live. Just the same, I think there's a great deal for us to learn from the Italian culture and the Italian outlook on life. 

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas? The biggest advantage to being overseas is the ability to see so many places that you may have otherwise never been able to see. Travel opportunities are abundant and don't have to cost a fortune. What a great experience for my children.

What's your favorite European destination and why? England is my favorite European destination. Sure it's rainy and cloudy quite a bit, but when March rolls around the daffodils, tulips and miscellaneous flowers pop up everywhere! I can get a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers for just 50 pence. Traveling to London for the day is the best way to spend your time. Walking in Piccadilly Circus, grabbing warm chestnuts on any corner during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and heading off to one of many fantastic plays are some of the best times.

Why I nominated Mrs. Crawford as one of Aviano's Finest?
"Not only is Mrs. Crawford highly skilled in her assigned duties, she is fully active in squadron activities. She often takes the lead in squadron family events, helping to create a bridge in the gap between wing, group and squadron leadership and the Airman and their families, showing that no matter what your rank; you are supported in every way. By mastering the newest software, she created paperless systems that facilitated change within our squadron, resulting in reduced loss of information, reduced man-hours, avoidance of work stoppage and savings of over $1,600 in office resources." - Maj. Michael Donahue, 31st Maintenance Squadron commander