Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Erik VanRoekel

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

Rank and name: Senior Airman Erik VanRoekel

Unit: 69th Maintenance Squadron

Duty title: Avionics systems journeyman

Time in service: 3 years, 7 months

Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I think it's important because I feel that I owe service to all of the people who have served and sacrificed before me so that my family and I can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? Every day there are moments that I'm proud of. The program at Grand Forks Air Force Base is still relatively new and every day we make decisions that are setting a precedent for years to come.

What is your favorite part of your job? The favorite part of my job is troubleshooting and repairing aircraft.

Who inspires you and why? My father is my biggest inspiration. I've never met anyone that could match his work ethic and knowledge. I try to be like him every 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? I was excited for the opportunity to work on such extraordinary aircraft. Also Grand Forks is close to home.