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January's Excellent Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kasie Faddis
  • 117th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

This month’s Excellent Airman is Staff Sgt. Nicholas Faddis, the Unit Training Manager (UTM) and Unit Deployment Manager (UDM) for the 117th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS)!

He began his career with the Alabama Air National Guard in October 2018 with the 117th Public Affairs office, where he worked for six years as a Drill Status Guardsman (DSG). During his time at the public affairs office he worked on temporary orders with the Family Readiness office for approximately two years and then received a temporary technician position with the Commander’s Support Staff. In September 2024, he was hired at the 117th LRS fulfilling the UDM/UTM roles as a permanent technician and cross-trained over to Air Transportation as a DSG.

“Originally, I wanted to join active duty through an ROTC program to commission to become an officer, ideally as a pharmacist or medical officer,” said Faddis. “I decided after having a conversation with my dad I would pursue enlisting and speaking with recruiters and I was ready to enlist in active duty. My dad actually works with 1st. Sgt. Jeremy Williams in maintenance, who told my dad to have me come down and check the Guard out. I scheduled an appointment with a recruiter and the rest is history.”

One of his favorite memories are from his most recent temporary duty to Germany last spring with the 117th Mission Support Group.

“I got to learn a lot about the Public Affairs side on an active-duty installation and got to meet with the Air Transportation people before I cross-trained,” said Faddis. “I also got a lot of insight to a lot of jobs on the installation to include the mortuary affairs, services roles, sports field upkeep, air transportation in an active-duty capacity and how the Air National Guard works alongside the active duty,”

Another significant memory during his first TDY once he graduated from technical training, was Airman Leadership School (ALS) at McGhee-Tyson. Faddis and a fellow airman visited the Base Exchange where they ended up saving a man’s life. The current 134th Air Refueling Wing Commander, Regional Base Exchange Manager and Commandant of ALS recognized for their quick response to the situation and saving the person’s life.

“It made me feel like I actually made a difference and I was a part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “Overall, my experience at ALS was filled with comaraderie and learning how to grow in my military career.”

Faddis is currently in college pursuing a degree to become a pharmacist and is looking to attend Samford University or Auburn University to pursue his medical degree once he earns his undergraduate degree.

He is also part of a competitive paintball team with Liberty Paintball Field in Danville, Alabama. He also enjoys archery, golfing, fishing and he enjoys pond hopping or going out with his dad on his bass boat to hang out to relax and relive stress.