Warrior of the Week: Airman takes pride in high standards, core values

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

Name and Rank: Airman 1st Class Vanessa Oros

Unit: 319th Civil Engineer Squadron

Duty Title: Firefighter

Time in Service: 2 years, 5 months

Time at Grand Forks: 4 Months

Hometown: Yuma, Ariz.

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

Serving in the Air Force is an honor because I not only get to protect my country but I also get to continue to establish our freedom that we Americans worked so hard to earn. When I wear my uniform it makes a powerful statement. I represent the legacy of all the warriors that served before me. I also take pride in that fact that people hold Airmen to a high standard because we live by the Air Forces core values: integrity fist, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

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

I am most proud of doing my everyday job; making sure that I am prepared when we get that emergency call, whether its 2 p.m. or 3 a.m., and making sure that every time we train in the fire pit or pull the fire hose off the truck, that we are efficient and we learn something new every time.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of being a firefighter is responding to emergency calls. When we train and do exercises it's very important because we train on the fundamentals of our job. When it's an actual emergency call, you don't know what to expect. Your adrenaline starts pumping and you have to be ready for whatever comes your way. You might be tasked to save a life or to simply evacuate a building.

4. Who inspires you and why?

My inspiration is my father, Richard Oros, and my mother, Elizabeth Oros. My father served 26 years in the United States Air Force, and my mom is a deputy warden of a prison. They inspire me to excel and enjoy my job every day. Their hard work and dedication is what inspires me go the extra step.

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?

The first thing that made me think Grand Forks AFB was a cool place was when I saw how active the base was. I think it's amazing that so many Airmen participate in squadron competitions and activities. The people on base are all very friendly and always have programs you can join, so it's never boring.