Warfighter of the Week: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Allen

Published Jan. 27, 2016
By Tech. Sgt. Heather R. Redman
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Staff Sgt. Jonathan Allen, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Client Systems Technician and Executive Communications Support staff member, was recognized as the Warfighter of the Week, Jan. 19, 2016.

Allen was introduced to the military lifestyle at a very young age, with his father serving in the Navy. But it was the time spent separated from friends and family that nearly kept him from joining.

"Growing up, I had no desire to join the military," said Allen. "It was mostly the deployments that my dad went on that discouraged me from joining. I couldn't comprehend having to leave for six or more months at a time and being away from my friends and family and being in an entirely new environment. I did however, enjoy moving frequently. Growing up, I was able to live throughout the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Japan."

Despite Allen's original apprehensions on joining the military, the desire for a change in his life led him to consider the military as a possible career choice.

"I joined the military primarily for a sense of purpose and to become a responsible adult," said Allen. "I also wanted the benefits such as travel, pay, education, and promotion opportunities. I honestly only wanted to do one enlistment and use my GI bill to go to school, and here I am 10 years later still proudly serving."

Although Allen has had his share of tribulations, he has not regretted his decision to join the Air Force.

"Serving in the military has definitely had its fair share of ups and downs, but for the most part it has been great," added Allen. "I met my wife through the Air Force, been provided stability and job security, as well as opportunities for me to grow both personally and professionally. I do not know what I would be doing if I had not joined"

As a Client Systems Technician and Executive Communications Support staff member, Allen provides communications support to the 12th AF (AFSOUTH) headquarters command and staff members.

"My job is to ensure everyone has the ability to log into their workstations every day and that all devices are up to date with local and Air Force policy," said Allen. "Whether it's here at 12th AF (AFSOUTH) or downrange throughout the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, the communications capabilities I provide are limitless."

When it came to choosing a Warfighter of the Week, Allen's section had no problems choosing him to represent them.

"Knowing the tempo and demands of this unit, Staff Sgt. Allen has always excelled in all aspects of his position," said Master Sgt. Nichelle Hunter Nichols, 12th AF (AFSOUTH) executive support superintendent. "It's not easy to fill a position that has to meet the mission requirements and expectations of both the 355th Communications Squadron and 12th AF (AFSOUTH) headquarters, but he's done so seamlessly. "

Warfighter of the Week is an opportunity for the Airmen throughout 12th AF (AFSOUTH) to share their story. The Warfighter of the Week initiative aligns with the 12th AF (AFSOUTH) commander's priority of creating a work environment where someone knows you both professionally and personally. These outstanding Airmen are selected by their directors based on their contributions to the Air Force's mission.