RAGE with the Gorillas: A1C Quayston Thomas Published Oct. 5, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Christian Corley 33rd Fighter Wing EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Meet Airman 1st Class Quayston Thomas, an assistant dedicated crew chief with the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. He’s originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, but grew up in Indianapolis. “I joined the Air Force in November of 2021 and arrived at Eglin in May of 2022,” said Thomas. “I joined because I have a daughter, and I want to give her the best life that I can.” As a crew chief, he’s responsible for the overall maintenance of the F-35A Lightning II. “The most difficult part of my job is when we are fixing a broken jet and it seems like everything is going wrong; I want to give up and take a break,” said Thomas. “So it’s a good feeling in the end when I know a jet is flying because of the time and maintenance we all put in to fix it.” Thomas credits his mom and his grandpa as his biggest inspirations for getting him to where he is today. “A personal goal I have is to go back to school and get a college degree,” said Thomas. “A professional goal I have is to keep learning and getting better at my job, so that when I become a non-commissioned officer, I can help Airmen coming in behind me the same way that I've been helped.” Thomas traveled with the 58th AMU to Volk Field to participate in Exercise Northern Lightning. “Working at Volk Field is different from working at Eglin because there is the same amount of maintenance that needs to be done but we have less people and (less) parts,” said Thomas. “It’s more important that everyone be involved and help out where they can.” Outside of work, Thomas likes to fish, travel and spend time with his family and friends.