Warrior of the Week: A1C Ashley Taylor

Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor adjusts her camera lens to snap another action photo March 21, 2013, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Taylor was selected as Grand Fork’s AFB’s Warrior of the Week for the third week of March 2013. As an Air Force photojournalist, the 22-year-old native from Junction City, Kan., produced more than 4,200 media products in 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Xavier Navarro)

Warrior of the Week: A1C Ashley Taylor

Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor kicks a ball into one of the goals of the indoor soccer field on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., on March 20, 2013. Taylor was selected as Grand Fork’s AFB’s Warrior of the Week for the third week of March 2013. She was also nominated for Team Grand Forks Female Athlete of the Year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Xavier Navarro)

Warrior of the Week: A1C Ashley Nicole Taylor

Published March 21, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Susan Davis
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D --

Rank and name: Airman 1st Class Ashley Nicole Taylor

Unit: 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Duty title: public affairs specialist/photojournalist

Time in service: 2 years

Hometown: Junction City, Kan.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I love knowing that I'm making my family proud and following in my grandpa's and dad's military footsteps. After serving for 22 years in the Army, my grandfather has some amazing "war stories." I love listening to them and can't wait to make some of my own.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? Being nominated for Team Grand Forks Female Athlete of the Year. I love working out but I didn't know anybody even paid attention to my fitness level, other than Air Force fitness exams. It is an honor to think people thought I was worthy enough for it and I really appreciate that.

What is your favorite part of your job? Meeting so many amazing people and being able to bring their personality out through a photograph. Everybody has a story to tell and I like being able to share it with a camera.

Who inspires you and why? Definitely my parents. My mother lost her eyesight when I was six years old and even during the roughest times she overcame every obstacle in her path. She earned two Associates degrees in Pre-Law and Social Sciences. My dad really stepped up during that time and made sure my sister and I still attended after-school activities and had the best "normal" childhood we could.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather? I enjoy the small-town feeling you get here. Although it makes trips to the commissary a little longer than planned, I enjoy seeing familiar faces everywhere I go!