Warrior of the Week: Patricia Soper

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Name: Patricia "Pat" Soper

Unit: 319th Medical Support Squadron

Duty title: Referral Coordinator

Time in service:  7 years, 5 months

Time on station:  19 years, 3 months

Hometown:  Utica, New York

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
It's good to give back to those who serve each and every day 24/7.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
I guess it would have to be informing a patient who needed assistance with their healthcare that there were services available to them that would help them manage their healthcare needs. It seemed to help lift some of the stressors involved with trying to manage it all by themselves. Everybody needs a little help now and then.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is solving problems that our patients might have with their networked care. Sometimes it takes a little extra time, but then the job gets done right.

Who or what inspires you and why?
Each and every member in my flight inspires me. Without all of us working together it would not be possible to ensure that our beneficiaries receive the appropriate care that their doctors request.

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 first thing that made me think that Grand Forks was a cool place was the Art and Wine Walk in town. It's a bunch of local artists that get to showcase their talents in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks downtown areas. Folks can take a nice walk with a small beverage if they so choose and take in the sites of the Greater Grand Forks Area. Give it a try.

Do you have any military service family members or anyone close to you that has served? If so when and where did they serve?
I served in the Air Force from 1984 to 1988 as a medical technician and was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York. My husband Mark, a retired master sergeant, served from 1985 to 2008 and was stationed at Plattsburgh AFB and Grand Forks AFB.  My father served in the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was stationed off the Coast of Africa.