389th FS names its warriors of the week

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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. Nate "Kong" Owen

Unit and duty title: 389th Fighter Squadron chief of scheduling

Time in Air Force: Seven years and five months

Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base: One year and nine months

Hometown: Clarkston, Wash.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing camping -- any type of sport or outdoor activity.

What service does Captain Owen provide to the Gunfighters? Captain Owen executes a 4,238 hour, 106.9 million dollar flying-hour program ensuring all aircrew training and qualifications are kept up to date.

Most memorable Air Force moment. "Being in a missing man formation flyby for a close friend who passed away. It was a great honor to show my respect to the family of my friend."

Interesting personal fact: "I was once a large diesel engine mechanic in the Coast Guard."

Why does Captain Owen deserve to be a warrior of the week? "Captain Owen is an integral part of my fighter squadron. As chief of scheduling, he maximizes my aviators' training while working closely with our maintenance team to ensure both our jets and aviators are always prepared for combat. In addition he has been an indispensable part of my leadership team as a deployed flight commander. I rely upon Captain Owen's professional leadership and aviation skills in the successful day to day operations of my squadron."
- Lt. Col. Evan Pettus, 389th FS commander 


Senior Airman Samantha Safford

Unit and duty title: 389th Fighter Squadron aviation resource manager

Time in Air Force: Three years and three months

Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base: Two years and 11 months

Hometown: Waterloo, Neb.

Hobbies: Working out, playing sports, watching TV, playing the piano and baking

What service does Airman Safford provide to the Gunfighters? "I am responsible for tracking aircrew flying hours, maintaining aircrew proficiency by actively monitoring their life support, mobility, SERE, and training currencies, and the security and implementation of the squadron's COMSEC program."

Most memorable Air Force moment. "My most memorable Air Force moment was receiving my incentive flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle. It was a great experience and it made me very proud to be in the Air Force."

Interesting personal fact: "I hate vegetables."

Why does Airman Safford deserve to be a warrior of the week? "Airman Safford is one of the key elements in ensuring my aircrews are current and qualified. Her hard work in tracking more than 2,400 training events for 40 aircrews on a daily basis ensures my squadron is always prepared to go to war. In addition she has stepped up to run our entire ARMs shop while being deployed and done an incredible job. Airman Safford's professionalism and leadership are key to the successful day to day operations of the 389th Fighter Squadron."
- Lt. Col. Evan Pettus, 389th FS commander