MARTISNBURG, W.Va. -- Staff Sgt. Rachel Spates is a maintenance management analyst for the 167th Maintenance Operations Flight. She joined the 167th Airlift Wing in 2014.
As a maintenance analyst, Spates provides vital aircraft maintenance information and analyses, to commanders and supervisors to help them make informed decisions about the 167th Airlift Wing’s mission.
Senior Master Sgt. Roberta Gossard, a maintenance analyst for the 167th Maintenance Group, describes Spates as a unique and articulate individual who learns quickly and is always willing to join teams for additional duties.
“She gives the MOF chief flexibility by working various positions within the MOF,” Gossard said.
Senior Master Sgt. Devin Paskewich, the 167th maintenance operations center supervisor, agreed with Gossard.
“She has been involved in the maintenance operations center, where she quickly earned a reputation as a hard charging and tireless production controller,” he said. “She has also been tasked to work with the training management office, Rising 6 council and student flight.”
Spates has an associate degree in business administration and she’s currently a full-time student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business analytics. She intends to pursue a master’s degree in applied business analytics after completing her bachelor’s degree in 2020.
Spates goals include commissioning as a maintenance officer for the 167 AW and said she is most proud of serving her country and state.
Spates, who was an active member of Future Farmers of America throughout high school, said she enjoys anything outdoors, especially motorsports, fishing, training her dogs and traveling.
Flying in a Blackhawk helicopter while volunteering at the Boy Scout Jamboree is one of the most exciting things she has done in the military, she said.
Spates said some of the most valuable lessons she has learned throughout her career include, “never allow complacency to set in, step up to a challenge, take a calculated risk and think outside of the box.”