The 389th Fighter Squadron names its warriors of the week

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Senior leaders with the 389th Fighter Squadron recently selected the following individuals as their warriors of the week. The recognition program highlights members of the 366th Fighter Wing who make significant contributions to their unit and the base.

Capt. Vincent Powers

Unit and duty title: 389th Fighter Squadron flight commander, weapons and tactics officer, instructor

Time in Air Force: Eight years

Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base: Two years and three months

Hometown: Boston, Mass.

Hobbies: CrossFit, skiing, and spending time with my family

What service does Captain Powers provide to the Gunfighters? Captain Powers is responsible for leading and mentoring 58 squadron aircrew members, with the ultimate goal of building the Combat Air Force's most integrated, disciplined, survivable and aggressive fighter squadron.

Most memorable Air Force moment. "It was graduating from the Air Force Fighter Weapons School and joining the ranks of the Air Force's finest aviators, leaders and tacticians."

Interesting personal fact: "I have two. First, I earned the name 'Vinnie' for my tyrannical, mafia-like leadership when I was the squadron snack officer. As it turns out, calling a brigadier general on a Sunday morning, demanding that he either pay his snack bill in cash by Monday or lose his kneecaps by Tuesday isn't a good plan. Second, I was recently married on a boat rolling down a big, blue, watery road, with my 'flippy floppies' slippers on."

Why does Capt Powers deserve to be a warrior of the week? "As a flight commander, Captain Powers sets and maintains the highest of standards for his flight and works tirelessly to ensure that they are taken care of in both their flying and non-flying duties. As a weapons and tactics officer and instructor, he is the epitome of humble, approachable and credible. He has the innate ability to dissect the most complex tactical problems into briefs, execution and debriefs that are highly instructional, easy to comprehend, and entertaining to listen to."
-Lt. Col. Evan Pettus, 389th Fighter Squadron commander

Staff Sgt. Eli Hibbert

Unit and duty title: 389th Fighter Squadron intelligence apprentice

Time in Air Force: Eight years

Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base: One year

Hometown: Pendleton, Ore.

Hobbies: "I watch college football and I spend time with my family."

What service does Sergeant Hibbert provide to the Gunfighters? "I am the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of intelligence for the 389th FS. In peacetime, I am integral in providing realistic aircrew training. In wartime, I provide real-time, actionable intelligence for F-15E Strike Eagle missions."

Most memorable Air Force moment. "In 2008, I was deployed to Forward Operating Base Rushmore on an Army Joint Expeditionary tasking as a radio communications airman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I distinctly remember the fear the day that the FOB was under attack for an hour and a half and how relieved I was when base was not overrun.

Interesting personal fact: "I changed career fields from radio communications to intelligence after six years of service."

Why does Sergeant Hibbert deserve to be a warrior of the week? "Sergeant Hibbert expertly led the 389th FS Intelligence shop for five months during the officer-in-charges' AEF deployment. He supported combined operations for the 391th FS and 389st FS. He expertly briefed five threat systems to audiences ranging from 20 to 30 aircrew members, and provided critical intelligence support to 18 training missions for the 6th Combat Training Squadron, and also helping to qualify eight Joint Tactical Air Controllers for future deployment."
-Lt. Col. Evan Pettus, 389th Fighter Squadron commander