U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas -- Q: How long have you been with the 301st?
A: I’ve been in the UDM Role since March 2018; but have been here in the 301 FW in other roles since June 2014.
Q: What did you want to do as a kid?
A: I wanted to be a veterinarian, but as I got older I realized that my allergies to some animals would not allow me to pursue that.
Q: You’re also in the military… Why did you join?
A: Yes, I’m a member of the 301 FW Medical Squadron as a 4A0, Health Services Management Craftsman. My main reason for enlisting almost 14 years ago was to pay for my education. My parents weren’t able to afford to send me to a major university like the University of Texas Arlington or the University of North Texas in Denton. I didn’t want to take out student loans, so I decided to try my luck out on Active Duty. It was the best decision I could have made because not only was I able to earn two Community College of the Air Force degrees (Healthcare Management and Maintenance Production Management, respectively). I was also able to utilize tuition assistance and the Post 9/11 GI Bill to earn both a Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Q: What does your civilian job entail? What is your favorite part of the job?
A: I say that I am a wearer of many hats. My primary job is to ensure the members of the wing staff are prepared to deploy when tasked. This consists of making sure all required training is done, medical requirements are met and documentation is in order. In addition to being a UDM, I am a Civilian Timekeeper, Government Purchase Card Approving Official, Orders Clerk, UTAPS Monitor, and Additional Duty Unit Training Manager, just to name a few. I’d have to say that my favorite part of the job is getting to interact with the members of the 301st Fighter Wing and knowing that what I do helps ensure that the mission here at home and downrange is successful.
Q: What are your career goals?
A: That’s something I really haven’t thought of. Because things are ever changing in the world of deployments I still have a lot to learn as a UDM. My main goal is to learn to be the best UDM that I can. There are some great UDMs here that are constantly teaching me and helping me grow. I hope to continue to learn from them.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: I grew up
Q: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve used in your career?
A: Communication is key. If nobody knows what’s going on, nothing can get done.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of the 301st Fighter Wing family, both as a civilian and as a military member.