Warrior of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Richard Schelberger

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D --  

Rank and name: Tech. Sgt. Richard Schelberger

Unit: 348th Reconnaissance Squadron

Time in service: 9 years, 11 months

Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.


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

I know it sounds like a cliché, but I enjoy working for an organization that makes a genuine difference in people's lives. Whether it's providing life-saving technical support to troops down range, or helping out a charitable organization; the Air Force embraces and encourages these values and culture. I'm just proud to be a part of it.

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

Does surviving my first North Dakota winter count? Seriously though, I had the awesome opportunity to help setup a squadron for a new aircraft operational system. This was a monumental undertaking which tested the limits of everyone involved. We all learned a lot and now have the bragging rights of being the ones who were directly involved with its establishment.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

I really enjoy working with the smartest people the Air Force has to offer. I'm continually in awe at how well the people in my work community adapt to any situation and always exceed expectations. They're a very intelligent and focused group of people and it's a privilege to work alongside them.

4. Who or what inspires you and why?

I'm inspired by the quote from Warren G. Bennis which states, "Leaders are people who do the right thing; managers are people who do things right." This resonates with me because I feel people should always be committed to doing the right thing, even if it contradicts with the status quo. This takes courage, and to me, personifies leadership.

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?

Before I arrived here, many people mentioned to me how great the Grand Forks' hockey culture was. I wasn't a huge hockey fan before coming here, but since then, I'm a true convert. I've been to quite a few UND (University of North Dakota) games and look forward to attending many more.