AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy. -- Life isn’t always about starting off perfect, sometimes it’s the challenges that build our character, or maybe it’s about finding out what our purpose is that inspires us.
“I was not a great student in high school so when I joined the Air Force at 17 years old, I didn’t have a high school diploma or really any idea on what to do with my life,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Schoneboom, first sergeant of the 31st Security Forces Squadron. “But I had a bunch of fire and I knew I wanted to do something different than all my friends were doing,”
Schoneboom enlisted as an Electrical Power Production technician, but he hadn’t quite figured out how he fit in the big puzzle.
“I wouldn’t say I was a bad Airman, but I was not exactly crushing it right away,” said Schoneboom. “I just didn’t feel invested in the Air Force. I deployed a few months into my first duty assignment, and that is when it all started to come together for me. I loved that I could go home at the end of the day knowing that I made an impact on the Air Force’s ability to accomplish whatever our nation asked.”
Once he found his purpose and motivation, it led to many great experiences.
“I’ve worked Aircraft arresting systems, a few power plants, went on deployments, and a few years in an intelligence unit and even spent a few years in the 606th [Air Control Squadron] at Spangdahlem,” said Schoneboom. “I love being a Civil Engineer!”
When Schoneboom got the opportunity to become a first sergeant, he felt he’d found his true passion.
“About 7 years ago I had the opportunity to fill in for my first sergeant for a few weeks,” said Schoneboom. “I quickly realized this was what I wanted to do. The ‘people’ is where my passion was. Since then, I have been a first sergeant for two Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons, a Tactical Air Control Party unit and now the Air Force’s best Security Forces Squadron, here at Aviano.”
Along his journey, family played a significant role in Schoneboom’s success.
“I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in the position I am in,” said Schoneboom. “No one makes this journey alone. I’ve had some great mentors, supervisors and friends help me along the way. Most importantly, my wife and my son have been the support and motivation to push through the hard stuff. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Overall, Schoneboom believes leadership is the chance to make a difference to support the mission, Airmen and family.
“Leadership is not a position, job title or an entitlement,” said Schoneboom. “It is not an Air Force Specialty Code, Development Special Duty or shred out. Leadership is an opportunity that is gifted to you by those you have been watching and following you. If they lose faith in your ability to lead you have just become management.”