TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan –
Every week, a member of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is selected as the Warrior of the Week. This individual is recognized based on outstanding performance, good conduct, work ethic and most importantly, for a job well done.
Meet the Warrior of the Week - Tech. Sgt. Rachel Bader is a 376th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron wing airfield driving test proctor deployed from Joint Base Andrews, Md. She is a native of Little Rock, Ark.
Here's what Bader has to say about herself and her deployment.
What do you do on a daily basis at the Transit Center? I provide immediate insight on local airfield driving hazards and safe practices in efforts to mitigate airfield driving incursions. Moreover, I am the final quality control measure for Transit Center personnel prior to their operation of vehicles on the airport.
What do you enjoy about being at the Transit Center? One of my reasons for joining the Air Force was to see the world from actual experience whether from an observation standpoint or job prerequisite. Being stationed at the Transit Center affords me just that opportunity.
Why did you choose to serve in the military? I joined the military for another reason as well. The Air Force's core values were very similar to my upbringing when it comes to integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do. My family believes that opportunities are always there, you just have to always be honest, work hard and give your best every day.
How do you feel about your contributions to the Transit Center mission and current operations in the area of responsibility? I am fortunate to be a part of the world's concerns whether in a humanitarian aspect or my oath of service to the U.S. Air Force. Our day-to-day mission's support is of great impact downrange to my fellow service members in harm's way. As I contribute to day-to-day missions, I have that thought in my foresight to understand why I am here.
Family: I have been married to my husband for 14 wonderful years. We have a son who is currently in his second year of college at American Musical and Dramatic Arts. We're extremely proud of him!
Time at the Transit Center: Two months
Time in military: 16 years
Greatest accomplishment: Raising my son to be a positive asset to the world and serving my country.
Goals you want to achieve or meet while at the Transit Center: My personal goals are to complete my senior noncommissioned officer professional military education and prepare for my promotion test. My professional goals are to do my best and contribute anywhere else if needed.
Hobbies: Exercising, cooking and a new interest of social media (e.g. Facebook, Skype, etc). This has been a great tool for my morale as it helps me to see my family with my own eyes that they're well.
Your best habit: Wanting to do things right the first time.
Favorite quote: I've heard a few in my lifetime but with the nature of my job I try to remember in my day to day interactions to "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:2-6)
Favorite movies: Movies with humor because I like to see people have a good time.
Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her: My husband has been a great mentor to me. He is a retired Air Force SNCO. He has a way of guiding me in helping me make the best decisions I can as an NCO. Being an NCO is more about leading your personnel. The decisions made by an NCO can have huge impact, so it is important to understand that.
If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why: It would be with any living U.S. president. I oversee approximately 11 personnel and find it challenging at times, so I can't even fathom the president's position. I would be curious to ask, "What is a highlight and what is the downside to being president?"