Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Anthony Nguyen Sahagon Mata

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Name: Staff Sgt. Anthony Nguyen Sahagon Mata

Unit: 319th Force Support Squadron

Duty titile: Ceremonial Guardsman

Time in service: 6 years and 7 months

Time on station: 3 years and 5 months

Hometown: Yigo, Guam

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?  
Serving in the Air Force is important to me because I feel like you are a part of something greater than yourself. Providing support to the defense and aid of our nation while improving myself professionally, physically, and mentally is another reason why serving the Air Force is important to me.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? 
The accomplishment that I'm most proud of as a Warrior of the North was being selected and promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. Ever since I was a kid I've always dreamed of serving in the U.S. armed forces and making it this far in my career it brings me nothing but joy to know I truly am living my dream.  

What is your favorite part of your job? 
My favorite part of my job is having the honor to represent the Air Force during military honors and ceremonies. During these times you become the face of the Air Force, imprinting a lasting professional image that gives you pride of your nation during celebration or honor and comfort of your loved one's service during times of grief.    

Who or what inspires you and why?
The two individuals that inspire me are Staff Sgt. Alexandra Crawley and Staff Sgt. Ryan Kuhn. These individuals truly take care of their subordinates and will do everything they can to help out their Airmen no matter what it may be. They are phenomenal leaders that will always see the best in you and will constantly push you to excel in all you do. They inspire me every day to follow in their footsteps.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather? 
The people are what make Grand Forks Air Force Base a cool place. No matter where you are from, the community will welcome you with open arms.   

Do you have any military service or anyone close to you? If so when and where did they serve?
My brother is active-duty Army and my sister is in the Army National Guard.