Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Ian McDermott

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. Ian D. McDermott

Unit and job: 69th Maintenance Squadron radio frequency transmission systems technician

Time in Service: 8 Years

Time at Grand Forks: 10 Months

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

It does not matter what your personal politics are, having a chance to protect the freedoms and interests of the American people is an honor.

What accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?

Being a part of standing up the Global Hawk mission here at Grand Forks has been one of the most satisfying points of my career.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Helping to run a large work center that carries out out real world missions while still getting to go home to my family at the end of the day is a great opportunity.

Who inspires you and why?

My grandfather served in World War II with the Army infantry in France and Germany, and later went on to retire as a chief master sergeant in the Air Force. I admire his courage and dedication; he still gives me advice about the military to this 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?

Being on a small base really lets you get to know people from a variety of different jobs.