Aviano's Finest - Military Category

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

Rank: Senior Airman

First & Last Name: Jeffrey Reeves

Duty Title: Surgical Services Technician

Hometown City, State and/or Country: Salt Lake City, Utah

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission?
I am part of the 31st Medical Group, and that means helping people with any health problems they have. My duties include assisting the surgeon during surgery. I'm basically an extra pair of sterile hands to do anything the surgeon needs. I'm constantly in the operating room, so that means if you've had surgery in the last two years you've probably met me, you just might not remember it.

What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture?
For the most part, Italian people are very friendly. Just stopping to ask for directions could turn into a two-hour conversation about anything. The wine here is arguably the best in the world, always has been, probably always will be.

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas?
The same advantage that a lot of people initially join the Air Force for -- travel opportunities. If you've been stationed here two years and haven't been out of the country, you're really missing out. It's so cheap (cheaper than flying from the states) and easy to fly anywhere in Europe. Three-day weekends and even regular two-day weekends are an adventure if you just plan it right.

What's your favorite European destination and why?
It may be cliché, but I love Rome. I was always a big history buff, and being able to see the ruins knowing what took place was an amazing sight. I'm also a big movie buff, and being able to see things from my favorite movies is a big plus -- The Coliseum ("The Gladiator") and Circus Maximus ("Ben-Hur") just to name a couple. Seeing what they are now, and knowing what they used to be is a huge eye opener. It makes you wonder what the great cities of today will be like in 2000 years.

Why I nominated Airman Reeves as one of Aviano's Finest?
"Senior Airman Reeves in an integral part of the 31st Medical Surgical Squadron Operating Room. He has been a team member on more than 250 surgeries, including 15 after-hour emergencies. He truly epitomizes the Air Force Core Values and we are proud to have him as a member of our team." - Lt. Col. Penelope Gorsuch