Airman Spotlight: Senior Airman David Yi

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  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Name: Senior Airman David Yi

Unit: 5th Reconnaissance Squadron

Job title: U-2 Fuel Systems Journeyman

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: My duty is to maintain the U-2 Dragonlady and to support the 5 RS in gathering intelligence, providing surveillance and executing its reconnaissance mission.

Time in the military: Five years

Time at Osan: Two years

DEROS: October 2014

Family: Engaged to marry in December!

Hometown: Everett, WA

Hobbies: I find the most enjoyment in quality time spent doing activities with my family and loved ones. I have passions for boxing, paddleboarding, paintball, riding my motorcycle and any/all other sports.

Why did you join the military? I joined the military to bring credit to my name through service to my country, improve myself in all aspects of life and to constantly strive for greatness.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? In 10 years, 20 years and for the remainder of my life, I will have dedicated myself completely to my family, my career, my craft and my country.

What do you do for fun here? I stay involved in all of the team sports and coach with the Youth Program as often as possible. I play paintball with Armed Force ROK and I love to explore the country and learn the culture.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? Reenacting the "prayer scene" as Ricky Bobby for Lt Col Lokowich's Cat Call is my favorite. I also met my fiance who happened to be playing Carly (Bobby's wife).

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am extremely humbled to have been given the opportunity to pursue my commission through the Scholarship for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR) program this year.

Who are your role models? My grandmother and my parents have always been my motivation in life. They are my constant sources of support and encourage me in any endeavor I go through. Their own hard work and determination are examples to follow and inspire anybody.

In addition to my grandmother and parents, Lt Col Luke Lokowich, Major Gary Charland and Major George Adams have been absolutely instrumental to my life. They have worked tirelessly and selflessly for our squadron and for me through my pursuit of gaining a commission. They spent countless hours ensuring that one of their Airmen was taken care of by taking complete ownership in my own future. They are irreplaceable leaders, incredible officer's and prime examples of the type of officer I can only wish to become.