Warriors of the week -- 391st Fighter Squadron

  • Published
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Senior leaders with the 391st Fighter Squadron here recently selected the following person as one of its warriors of the week:

Capt. Mark Pauly

Unit and occupation: 391st Fighter Squadron F-15E Pilot

Time in service: Eight years

Time at Mountain Home: Eight months

Hometown: Los Angeles

Hobbies: "I enjoy tennis, digital photography, video editing, learning about history and watching movies."

What service do you provide Gunfighters: "It takes the support thousands of people on the Gunfighter team to get airplanes in the air and iron on targets. I do my best to study and work hard so that I can keep my flying skills sharp for when they are needed most."

Most memorable Air Force moment: "I'm sure everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. I was a student pilot in the F-15E at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. We were preparing for a training sortie when the Twin Towers were hit. Although it was a tragic moment in America's history, I will always remember the aftermath as our finest hour. Patriotism ran high, and I was proud to see so many people ready and willing to serve their country."

Interesting personal fact: "Honestly, I am not very interesting. I like gadgets, history and physics. I am basically a nerd who thinks he's cool because he flies fighter planes. My wife sees right through me."

Why does Capt. Mark Pauly deserve to be selected as a warrior of the week? "Captain Pauly deserves this recognition due to his leadership and superior aviation skills. He exemplifies the Air Force core value of 'excellence in all we do' by applying the knowledge he gained during a recent deployment to Iraq and by holding the squadron to combat standards. As my assistant flight commander, I am 100 percent confident in Captain Pauly's ability to run the flight in my absence."
--Capt. Mike Blair, 391st FS A flight commander