Photo By Senior Airman Kasie Faddis | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Pate, the 117th Logistics Readiness Squadron first...... read more read more
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Get to know Master Sgt. Daniel Pate, the first sergeant for the 117th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS)!
Pate began his career at the 117th in 2002 as a jet engine mechanic in maintenance. A year later he moved to the Aerospace Ground Equipment where he received a full-time job.
“9/11 inspired me to join the military. I had a friend who was a member and he brought me over. I just wanted to join,” Pate said. “A lot of people felt patriotic duty to do it and I really wanted to do it.”
After serving for several years, he felt like he was stuck in a rut with his career, so he put in for a first sergeant position within maintenance. Unfortunately, he was not selected, but he continued to apply for another first sergeant position within LRS and was selected for the position in 2017 and pinned his diamond a year later in September of 2018.
“It was always something I wanted to do. I have always had, for a lack of better term, a mother hen mentality,” said Pate. “I try to take care of people. When someone is in trouble, I try to help them out and being a first sergeant is one of the best ways to help people.”
His favorite part of the job is helping people, steering people in the right direction and congratulating them when they accomplish goals. Pate enjoys going around talking to people and being that person that anyone can come to if something is needed.
“Don’t ever be afraid to talk to someone. If you are not comfortable talking to your first sergeant, go to any first sergeant,” Pate said. “We have a good group of shirts to talk to. Just because you may be afraid to talk to your first sergeant, don’t be afraid to go find another to speak to.”
Pate will be moving out of the first sergeant position in September and reminisced on how bittersweet it will be to let go of the diamond.
“It is hard to let go, but it is someone else’s time to take over. I really like going around talking to people and taking care of people,” said Pate. “It has been a rewarding and life-changing experience. When you are stuck in a myopic view of your job, you just see your job. When you become a first sergeant you get the opportunity to expand your view to see the overall picture. ”
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2024 09:40 |
| Story ID: | 476365 |
| Location: | BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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