Airman Spotlight: Senior Airman Jason Leaver Published Dec. 15, 2011 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Unit: 51st Operations Support Squadron Job title: Weather Forecaster Job description and its impact on the overall mission: Primarily I work as a Weather Forecaster embedded within the fighter squadron. Time in the military: 5 Years Time at Osan: 6 Months DEROS: July 2012 Hometown: St.Louis MO Hobbies: Weightlifting, Snowboarding, Rugby, Technology Why did you join the military? Initially I walked into meps wanting to become a firefighter; I planned to take the skills learned into the civilian sector. I was told I had to pick six more jobs while I didn't plan on being a weather forecaster it has been an interesting experience to say the least. I do still plan on working as a volunteer firefighter upon reaching my gaining duty station. Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? My follow-on assignment is to Wheeler Army Airfield HI. One of the unique things to my career field, is that we can work almost any AFB or Army Post. In supporting the Army I will deploy and work hand and hand with our brother branch. Having Spent the last five years trapped between a LCD and computer chair I am very much looking forward to the new experience. My experience working and deploying with the Army will determine if I decide to cross train into combat weather. In which case 10-20 years I see myself jumping out of air planes as a portable weather station What do you do for fun here? Rugby this last year was amazing. I built a strong camaraderie with the individuals I played with and against. Albeit this was my first year playing rugby I was voted the Co-Forward of the year for the base rugby team along with SSgt Levias who is a complete animal on the field and off. Being put on the same level physically with someone of his physical prowess is humbling to say the least. I plan to continue playing as long as my body is intact. What would you like to change about Osan? Having a car would be nice, even a golf cart. Although I find it hard to complain when I know so many individuals have it much worse. I guess that would make me a glass-half-full type of guy. What is the best part of being at Osan? Having the opportunity to live and work in foreign country is always fun to do. Here at Osan it's a very high-tempo environment which offers a lot of challenges day to day. This is also the first opportunity I have had to work next to people outside my career field. This insight has really shown me that Weather people aren't the only crazy ones. What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? The first day of basic training really set the tone for the weeks to follow. Before I even stepped foot on Lackland AFB, as I sat at the San Antonio Air Port anxious for the events to follow. A man in a large brimmed hat and metal taps ran up and YELLED at everyone on the benches "Get your bags and form 4 lines!" At first I was caught somewhat off guard but without hesitation did as he said. I found myself smack dab in the middle of the formation. At 6'4 I stood out like a sore thumb. The man in the brimmed hat was behind me when I heard in a deep southern accent "HEY YOU BIG GOOFY GUY!" I dare not look back, was I to acknowledge myself as the big goofy on the first day of basic training? No. I maintained my bearing and stared directly forward. Again "HEY TALL ONE!" In my head I thought "wow this guy sounds pretty upset, I should probably see what he wants." As I looked back I will never forget the expression on his face, as I saw for the first time a Hispanic man turn beat red. "FRONT OF THE LINE!" He shouted and pointed to the front. Slightly upset at my own misfortune I immediately grabbed my bag from the ground and began to work my way towards the front of the formation. Before I could even make my way half way to the front, again he scowled "never mind you're too stupid, back to the benches." I sat on that bench for nearly an hour until he returned. Sure enough when the clock struck 12 and the metal taps on his shoes rang through the tiled hallway. I assure you when he said form four lines I was standing in front. I guess if this story has any meaning to it, it's to learn from your mistakes. Which is a more effective training method As a Weather Forecaster than anything else we do. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Planning, coordinating, and running the show as Mr.Vice during the Combat Dining Out was challenging and a lot of fun. I enjoyed putting the event together while it was stressful the juice was worth the squeeze. Planning the event introduced me to members throughout the squadron. Having only worked specifically for other weather people it was interesting to get out and meet people from all walks of life. Who are your role models? Mark Downer was a student in the class behind mine throughout tech school. He was the black rope and the guidon bearer. Nearly every day for eight months I marched behind him. After completing his service to his Air Force Guard unit as a weather forecaster he cross trained into the Army as a combat medic. On August 5th of this year he paid the ultimate sacrifice as he was killed in Afghanistan. After hearing this news I began reflect on my career in the Air Force, I asked myself "what have I sacrificed?" Mark was the strong, silent type, when he spoke it had meaning. This incident gave me incite and perspective on my career, you always have more to give until you have given it all. Life is delicate and precious, many have fallen before their time serving our country. Anyone willing to put themselves in harm's way and potentially sacrifice their life for the beliefs and ideas of our country is someone I look to idolize.