The humorous catalyst

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Keenan Berry
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  If a unit's morale is low, their work performance may suffer. Staff Sgt. Joshua Riffe, 509th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment supervisor, understands the formula to creating an atmosphere for fun while ensuring the mission gets done.

It's not easy maintaining a healthy balance between work and fun during the duty day, but for Riffe, it comes naturally.

"Good morale is an absolute must, especially in our career field," said Riffe. "Morale is needed to motivate Airmen to want to come into work.  Morale also enhances camaraderie and attention to detail because it helps the crew work twice as hard to get the job done."

The mission is at the forefront of every shop's goal, but a little humor and fun is what gets it done the right way. On a day-to-day basis, Riffe enjoys bringing that joy, humor and excitement into his crewmembers lives.

"I often like to do animated voices such as the infamous 'Smeagol' voice from 'Lord of the Rings' movies," Riffe said. "I also enjoy making funny faces and re-enacting funny YouTube videos. That's just part of our daily regimen of humor."

While having fun is good for the morale, Airmen must remain steadfast and focused on their assignments.

"I have my light switch. I know when to goof around and when to be serious," said Riffe. "There's nothing wrong with having fun, as long as we are accomplishing the task at hand. Everyone knows when it's time to buckle down and when it's time to have fun."

While ensuring guidelines and technical orders are adhered to, Riffe and his crew realize their job plays a major role in pilots' safety.

"I'm the shop training manager," Riffe said. "When I see someone becoming frustrated and having difficulty with a certain task, I like to jump in there and assist them while humoring them. I'll show them the correct way while making it entertaining for them."

Along with his animated voices, Riffe enjoys making humor from hot topics surrounding pop culture. According to the Airmen within the shop, they enjoy coming to work because their leadership makes it worthwhile.

"(Sgt.) Riffe is very hilarious; we often enjoy his shenanigans and antics," said Airman 1st Class Taylor McClelland, 509th OSS AFE technician. "Whenever I'm struggling with a difficult task, he's always quick to assist with humorous comments."

Riffe's humorous personality extends beyond the job and into his personal life.
"My children are just as funny as I am, if not more funny," Riffe said. "My wife and I thrive off of humor. Every day in the house we are constantly joking, name-calling and all sorts of stuff. It's a healthy environment when you can come home and have fun with your family after work."

Riffe also has an effect on his coworker's children.

"I can't do the 'Smeagol' voice," said Master Sgt. Damian Bunch, 509th OSS AFE craftsman. "My kids always ask about the guy who can do the voice and it's the only one I can't do. So that makes me jealous just a little bit."

Riffe is quite "the man" around his shop and is the catalyst to maintaining a smooth flow of humor around the office.

"At the end of the day, our job comes first and we know that," Riffe said. "With that being said, as long as we are doing our part, then there is nothing wrong with a little fun!"