Team Osan Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. David Clifford

Published May 27, 2015
By Staff Reports
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Name: TSgt David Clifford

Unit: 51 FW/IGI

Job title: NCOIC of Exercises and Inspections

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: The eyes and ears of the 51 FW/CC! My number one priority is to help the Wing Inspection Team identify undetected areas of Non-Compliance throughout the wing and tenant units. The 51 FW/IGI and Wing Inspection Team does this by inspecting in-line with the Commander's Objectives of Build Fight Tonight Readiness, Strengthen the Base and Team, Grow Leadership and Professionalism, and Drive Innovative Solutions. By identifying areas of Non-Compliant, assisting the wing identify the root causes and educating the wing on solutions, Team Osan succeeds in executing the Mission.

Time in the military: 11 years and 3 months

Time at Osan: 7 Months

DEROS: August 2015

Family: The "IG Family"

Hometown: Yucaipa, California

Hobbies: Anything active and outdoors

Why did you join the military? I joined the military after September 11, because it seemed like the right thing to do. Looking back on it now, I'm glad I made that decision.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? The goal is Chief, regardless where I'm at I will make the best of it.

What do you do for fun here? Osan has tons of opportunities to get out and enjoy what Korea has to offer. So far I have been able to participate in the Spartan Race last fall, snowboarding and the occasional fishing trip.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? Myour favorite Air Force memory or story? By far the best memories I have are from the 10 years I was assigned to the 23 FW as a World Famous Flying Tiger Crew Chief on the A-10. The Flying Tigers have so much history behind them and I'm thankful I could be a part of that history. I will always be able to look back on and think about all the deployments, TDYs, cold nights on the flight-line and hard lessons learned with a grin on my face.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? See above.

Who are your role models? Maj Huggins is hands-down my biggest role model. Being assigned to the IGI office as a fighter pilot he has to juggle two jobs. Maj Huggins has to maintain his combat mission-ready status on top of being Chief of Wing Exercises in the 51 FW. Short and sweet, Maj Huggins has taught me how to get 25 hours out of the day, 36 days out the month, 51 weeks out of the year.