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Team Osan Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Tomas Velez-Ojeda

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

Name:  SSgt Tomas Velez-Ojeda "T-Vo"

Unit:  51st MUNS

Job title: Munitions Controller

Job description and its impact on the overall mission:  As a Munitions Controller, my primary job is to coordinate and direct the assembly and delivery of all munitions to the flightline to support combat and training operations.  

Time in the military:  6 Years 11 Months

Time at Osan:  4 months.  Osan was also my first base from 2008 - 2009.

DEROS:  Dec 2015

Family:  I was raised in a very close-knit family that spent a lot of time together.  I have one sibling and he is about to graduate high school this year. My dad is from Puerto Rico where I spent every summer with my grandparents until I joined the Air Force 

Hometown:   Reading, PA

Hobbies:  Basketball, football, education, softball, exercise, video games, traveling, and just about anything else you can think of.

Why did you join the military?  There are many reasons why I joined the Air Force.  One of the main reasons is that it has been a family tradition to serve in the military.  It also afforded me great opportunities to travel and to receive education benefits.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years?   My future goals include receiving a commission in the Air Force as I complete my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. 

What do you do for fun here?  There is a variety of things I like to do while stationed in Korea, But the most fun I have is taking day trips on the weekends around the peninsula with friends. 

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story?  My favorite Air Force memory was having my grandfather at my basic military graduation.  He initially served in the Marines for 2 years and later retired from the Army after serving 20 years. I was raised seeing my grandfather every day and grew really close to him over the years. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?   My ALS Distinguished Graduate Award

Who are your role models?  After my grandfather, I would have to say Dwayne Johnson is one of my role models for many reasons.  He is my role model is because of his achievements as well as his involvement in several communities.  He also inspires me to work hard in the gym.