Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Tristan Alvis

  • Published
  • By A1C Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

Rank and name: Staff Sgt. Tristan Alvis

Unit: 69 RG/69 MXS

Time in service: 11 years, 5 months

Hometown: Keller, Texas

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Being in the Air Force is something I always dreamed of growing up. Since joining, I can honestly say I'm living the dream. Many have given their lives for our freedom and liberty, and it is important to me to honor them by doing my part to help ensure the same for our children.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
The day I recovered my first RQ-4 Global Hawk was one of my proudest moments. I will never forget the feeling of anxiousness as it touched down.

What is your favorite part of your job?
I have been intrigued with aircrafts as far back as I can remember. I love being able to watch an aircraft that I have worked on take-off and complete a mission. Just knowing that in some way I had a direct impact on the mission, by ensuring a safe and reliable aircraft to deliver munitions to a target, or to provide overwatch for troops on the ground is an amazing feeling.

Who inspires you and why?
There are lots of people who inspire me, but the one who sticks out the most is my father. He has always pushed me to be a better person, and instilled ethics that have proven to be valuable to this day.

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 GFAFB was a cool place is the fact that it's only eight hours and 40 minutes to Sturgis, S.D., a place where I have always wanted to visit, but never would have thought I'd be close enough to actually go.