Wingman of the Week Published April 11, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airman 1st Class Von Carl Thomas 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron Job title: Firefighter/driver operator Date entered military: October 1, 2006 Reason entered military: I joined the Air Force to broaden my chances of making a difference in society and for opportunities to serve in a military facet to the greatest country in the world. Who is the most influential person in your career? My father has made the greatest influence on my life; he instilled in me the value of standards and set the foundation for my Christian faith. Short term goals: To make senior airman below the zone, get my Community College of the Air Force degree and attend Emergency Medical Technician School Long term goals: Apply my training in ways that will streamline Air Force operations and procedures. What is your favorite thing about Pope? Pope's fire and emergency services and the their unity has embraced my family and me. If you could change on thing about Pope, what would it be and why? The recommendation of the base realignment and closure, so I could have a chance to return during a future duty station change.