2nd Lt. Rueben smiles outside her office

2nd Lt. Charlene Rueben, 319th Medical Group practice manager, smiles for a photo outside her office Jan. 9, 2013, at the medical clinic on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Rueben also serves as the executive officer for the commander of the 319th MDG, Col. Jane Denton. Rueben said Denton is a wonderful leader and mentor, and has taught her things she will use for the rest of her career. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Rueben smiles at her desk after being nominated for Warrior of the Week

2nd Lt. Charlene Rueben, 319th Medical Group practice manager, smiles for a photo at her office Jan. 9, 2013, at the medical clinic on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Rueben also serves as the unit’s group patient advocate. She served eight years as a public health technician prior to her officer commission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: 2nd Lt. Charlene Rueben

Published Jan. 9, 2013
By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

Rank and name: 2nd Lt. Charlene Rueben

Unit: 319th Medical Group

Duty title: Group Practice Manager

Time in service: 10 years, 3 months

Hometown: Grapevine, Texas

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force gives me the opportunity to meet amazing people and work side by side with Airmen from all over the world while supporting the mission. That is not something everyone can say.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
Planning the Air Force Ball with my fellow company grade officers was an amazing opportunity. I am forever grateful to have met Bobby Henline (a retired Army wounded warrior); to hear his story of how he served the military and what happened to him will be something I remember forever.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my job is helping patients. I am able to help them get what they need - -an appointment, solve an issue or just listen.

Who inspires you and why?
My Dad. He served 25 years in the military and we were both stationed together at my first duty station (Patrick AFB, Fla.) as active duty members. We had his retirement ceremony and my commissioning ceremony while serving together there. It was a memorable time.

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 think Grand Forks is a fabulous place. It is very family oriented and the local community is very kind to their military members.