Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Brandon Baez

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Working as a first responder on an ambulance crew can turn a peaceful afternoon into an onslaught of adrenaline-fueled action, often times turning a regular shift into a blend of multiple days and nights.

For one Grand Forks Airman, that's perfect. It's well worth the wait.

"The best part of my job is helping people; without a doubt," said Airman 1st Class Brandon Baez, Grand Forks' newest Warrior of the Week. "Knowing at the end of the day I could have possibly made a huge difference in someone's life, or possibly even saved it, helps make up for the occasional long hours.

"It's great to help out people any way I can, I'm just blessed to be able to do that," he said.

Working as an aerospace medical technician with the 319th Medical Operations Squadron, Baez's duties can include working in Flight Medicine, Family Practice, the Pediatric Clinic or his favorite and current position - Ambulance Services.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Ala., Baez never really knew he would join the Air Force while growing up. After marrying his wife, Lindsay, he decided an enlistment would best suit his aspirations for a family.

Baez joined in December of 2009 and shortly thereafter he and Lindsay welcomed son, Nixson, to the world. Baez not only called having a son "a blessing," but also credits his hard work to the two closest to him.

"My motivation is making my family proud, both at work and at home," said Baez. "I feel that anyone who is willing to invest that much time into me deserves to know that it's not in vain."

Baez said he intends to invest as much time as possible into the Air Force, setting a personal goal of one day becoming a chief master sergeant.

"For me, the sky is the limit," he said.

Baez has gotten a quick jump on his career goals as he was named Airman of the Quarter in March for the 319th Medical Group. He has also been named flight medic of the month two times and serves as the treasurer for the Airman Against Drunk Driving organization.

"I volunteer as much as possible," he said. "I just like helping people out."

His approach to life can be found tattooed circling his left wrist, in text that states: "No one can stop us" - a reference he said applies to his family.