Warrior of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Krystal French

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Rank and name: Tech. Sgt. Krystal French

Unit: 319th Air Base Wing Command Post

Duty title: NCOIC, Command Post Operations

Time in service: 11 years, 10 months

Hometown: Orange County, Calif.

1. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
I began my career as a security forces member and I must say, the transition to a command post emergency action controller, and now NCOIC of command post operations/training, has provided me a broad outlook on all the opportunities the Air Force has to offer a person. Being able to adapt and learn from fellow Airmen is a personal quality and opportunity I am most grateful for. Serving in the Air Force has provided such a sense of pride in being able to make an impact on the people I have encountered throughout my ever-changing career. When something makes you a better person you should value it and I know the Air Force and the people in it have done that for me.

2. What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
My most proud moment and accomplishment while serving as a Warrior of the North was being promoted to technical sergeant. I knew this would provide me with a new sense of leadership and a new set of goals to fulfill while maintaining balance in my daily life. Creating a goal and achieving it is a time to celebrate and that was a moment to celebrate.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a command post controller is we are in essence the eyes and ears of the installation for the wing commander. It is our responsibility to provide a sense of urgency to all emergency situations or incidents that require command and control in order to assist in the response and recovery process. Knowing that how you respond and react to an emergency could save someone's life is enough to keep you on your toes.

4. Who inspires you and why?
My husband is my inspiration. As a medically retired husband and father of six children, he has shown me how to be patient in times of stress and how to be resilient when you may want to just throw in the towel. Having strong people around you and support is key to anyone's success.

5. What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
Grand Forks Air Force Base has been a place I have learned to call home. It has been a place that has taught me that the grass is not greener on the other side but it is where you water it. GFAFB, more specifically, its people, have learned to create a community that can provide excitement through activities despite the harsh winters. Watching how people come together when the circumstances are not the best is a very cool thing to watch and be a part of.