Veteran Spotlight: Spencer Tipold

Spencer Tipold, who was often called by the nickname “Tank” by many of his peers growing up, has had a longtime passion for the military. He was first introduced to the Air Force after witnessing his dad’s Air Force career. Ultimately, it was a moment that inspired him to follow a similar career path.

“I was in college, and just realized that college wasn’t for me,” he said. “I talked to my dad about it and decided to transition into the Air Force.”

Tipold, the oldest of two children, soon enlisted in the Air Force as Reconnaissance (RC) Aircraft 135 Maintenance. Since that day, he has been on over seven deployments overseas. These deployments included Kenya, the Middle East, England, and others with most averaging about three months.

“When I have to go overseas, it’s not really a fear,” Tipold said. “It’s more of an excitement. I get to see my work firsthand on the frontlines, and it gives me a lot of pride.”

Tipold has been stationed recently in Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. Whether he’s thinking about his family while away from home or visiting them when an opportunity presents itself, they have remained supportive of him throughout the process – especially his dad.

“My dad is a big reason why I’m still active and reenlisting next year,” Tipold said.

Tipold’s typical day-to-day work includes changing the oil in the engines, washing the aircrafts, changing the hydraulic fluid, changing breaks and tires, administering major inspections, and overall aircraft care. He works on seven RC-135 aircrafts total, which includes five variants, and typically sees 10-12 hour days.

“I love making an impact and knowing that I am there to keep these aircrafts ahead of our adversaries,” Tipold said. “We want to know what their next move is before they even strike. We have the best aircrafts in the world and the best military in the world.”

Tipold enjoys tinkering and working with his hands. As aircraft maintenance, he prepares others with the tools they need to do their job.

“I love taking care of people, and that’s definitely something that this role allows me to do,” Tipold said.

Tipold sees himself working in the Air Force aircraft maintenance division long-term. Eventually, he’d be open to a management role within the division.

“If you’re thinking about joining the Air Force, definitely do it,” Tipold said. “You learn so many skills and are exposed to different cultures, food, and people. You get to travel the world as well. It’s such a feeling of accomplishment.”

Tipold also values the camaraderie that is present within the Air Force.

“Especially on deployment, you really come together,” Tipold said. “When we’re on deployment, we’re always with each other eating dinner together, grabbing a beer, or doing something. We’re there for each other unconditionally, and I still stay in pretty consistent communication with those that I’ve served overseas with.”

This bond with his fellow Air Force teammates is only elevated when it comes to the Air Force bond he shares with his dad. As family already, the fact that they both share the common experience of service in the Air Force makes them even closer.

Tipold and his dad also share a common love for the New York Yankees. Tipold, who grew up playing baseball, noted that this passion for the team with 27 World Series championships was passed down from his maternal grandfather.

“I don’t really know how he became interested in the Yankees living in Indiana, but here we are – despite thinking it would have been a Midwest team like the Cubs, White Sox, Reds, or the Tigers,” Tipold said.

Tipold’s Air Force career is certainly slated to be successful. With his dad as inspiration, his loyalty to his fellow service men and women, his skills, interests, and his love for his country, Tipold was meant for the Air Force.