Laughlin XLer - Derick Yara, 47th Force Support Squadron

  • Published
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Job title and unit: 47th Force Support Squadron, Senior Library Technician

Why he XLed: - As information technology equipment custodian, he created a tracker for more than 60 laptops and streamlined reference accessibility which eased force support squadron workload. Coordinates facility readiness with Emergency Management Control System for 17 training classes monthly which ensures comfort level for Library Student Activity Center patrons. Laughlin League assistant coach for youth soccer where he developed and fostered teamwork and camaraderie in 11 kids. Dedicated five hours of landscaping for an overgrown cemetery which venerated last resting places of Native Seminole Veterans. Registered marrow donor and provided plasma for South Texas Blood and Tissue drive where he has contributed 55 units and saved 165 lives. Supported Laughlin AFB "Food from Feds" drive which donated 57 food items to less fortunate American families. Prepared Consolidated Unit Inspection inspector's HQ which eased organization visit and helped Team XL receive an "Excellent" overall rating. Resourced $4,835.71 in 48 hour crunch from central appropriated funds on the library electronic ordering system which revived suffering audiovisual collection by 244 items.

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Family: Wife-Tech. Sergeant Shireen Yara, Daughter-Madeline, Son-Avi

Time at Laughlin: 1 year and 4 months

Time in military/civil service: 3 years and 6 months and 5 years civil service

Greatest accomplishment: Working in a library with an excellent staff and helping patrons on a daily basis

Hobbies: Golf and Basketball Card Collecting

Bad habit: Waiting last minute to do school work

Favorite movies: Avengers, Tropic Thunder and the Dark Knight Trilogy

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why?: I would want to meet a guru in Hinduism. Not one specifically, but sitting down with any guru to explain his spiritual journey, I find it very intriguing.