Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Kaitlynn Grear

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  One of our Grand Forks enlistees, Airman 1st Class Kaitlynn Grear, recently received the Diamond Sharp award for performing above and beyond the expectations of her superiors.

Her story is interesting in that the U.S. Air Force was not her initial focus. Up until that point, her family was not pro-military.

After high school, Grear spent 11 months reviewing her options of college versus military duty. She maintained a full schedule of physical conditioning, two part-time jobs and participated in the introductory program at North Georgia Technical College.

When the U.S. Marines recognized Grear as an accomplished flautist, they tried to recruit her into the Marine Core Band. Fortunately, she made the right decision and chose the Air Force.

"I like to think the Air Force saw my potential and gave me the opportunity to excel," said Grear. "It came down to a desire to serve and the Air Force had the most to offer."

Grear joined in February 2011 as a public health technician and is currently assigned to the 319th Medical Operations Squadron's Public Health office.

Grear is key to the Preventive Health Assessment program by ensuring that active duty personnel at Grand Forks AFB and eight geographically separated units are medically ready to deploy.

Grear stays on her toes with interviewing, assessing, and patient follow-up.

"It can get pretty crazy at times," she laughed, "but it is very important to me that my patients receive the care they need."

Reviewing quality of care while maintaining Air Force medical standards requires a lot of skill and focus to ensure the Wing is medically and physically qualified for duty.

"I take pride in knowing we are getting the job done right," she said.

When off duty, the pace doesn't slow down for the Bradenton, Fla., native. She is actively involved in fitness and many outdoor activities, to include biking, hiking, and horse-back riding. However, Tae Kwon Do is her specialty.

"I attend martial arts four times a week and will test for my orange belt next month," said Grear. "Tae Kwon Do is a great stress reliever and a great workout. It can be challenging sometimes, but it is a lot of fun."

The base Fitness Center has become a second home to Grear, since her main activities outside of work all involve staying fit.

"Mainly I just love working out," said Grear. "I attend spin classes, bike classes, swim classes, and Zumba."

The transition from Florida weather to the North Dakota winds was "cold" for Grear, but never enough to get her motivated spirits down.

"It's a nice place to live here in Grand Forks; there are a lot of good people here." she said. "I encourage everyone to stay positive and to remember Fly, Fight and Win!"