Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Stephanie Rose, AKA Mama Bear

  • Published
  • By by Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  
Rank and name: Master Sgt. Stephanie Rose

Unit: Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard

Duty title: Program Manager

Time in service: 15 years, 6 months

Time in position: Feb. 1, 2012 to May 2, 2013

Hometown: Kansas City, Mo.

1. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

At some point over the years, being in the Air Force stopped being a job for me, and became my life. It's personal to me, and my love for service is unconditional. My job could be to kick rocks and I would still try to be the very best I could. If budget constraints caused the Air Force to make its members pay for their own plane ticket to travel to their deployed location, I would gladly do it so another mother or father could come home. Everyone in uniform is my family and I'm completely honored to wear the cloth of our nation alongside them.

2. What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?

Being a Warrior of the North isn't just a saying, it's the fire and spirit we all share that keeps us pressing on and exceeding standards. I've never been on a bad team at Grand Forks Air Force Base. It's hard to select a moment, because the Airmen around me are always lifting me up. How could I possibly fail?

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

Easy - the people.

4. Who or what inspires you and why?

I've been inspired by a few people here. For starters, Master Sergeant Darrin White, my old supervisor. He taught me that no matter what it is in life, it's "too easy." Chief Master Sergeant Vanessa Smalls-Bryant inspired me to always make time for the Airmen around me. She never passes up the chance to help someone and I think we could all use her example in our own lives. Finally, my children, Lauren, Alexis, and Austin. There are no words to explain fully what they mean to me. I want to be like them when I grow up.

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?

The first thing that made me think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place is the fact that it's located in a safe, very low crime rate area, and that's very important to me as a mom.