Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Adrian Thompson

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Nothing travels faster than the speed of light. But not too far behind that is Airman 1st Class Adrian Thompson, an electrician with the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron, who specializes in providing light to Grand Forks Air Force Base.

"We take care of the electricity of the entire base," said Thompson, the base's newest Warrior of the Week. "We fix things ranging from major high voltage going into homes to replacing a light bulb."

Thompson said his shop is responsible for many different tasks, but his favorite thing is working on airfield lighting.

"I check to make sure everything on the airfield is working 100 percent," he said. "Some of the issues we deal with out there can range from a single light bulb being out to an entire isolation transformer being blown out, both of which have happened."

Born in the Philippines, Thompson moved to the United States at age 4 and eventually joined the Air Force in October of 2009. He said he is "thankful for the opportunity to serve in the Air Force."

"First and foremost I like the stability the military offers," said Thompson, a self-taught ukulele player. "Secondly, I enjoy the traveling and meeting people. I have met so many people and made so many friends since I've been in."

His three years at Grand Forks AFB have taught him well and provided a lesson for future or new Airmen to the base.

"If you're coming to Grand Forks, there are three things I would tell people," he said. "Get a coat, get a car, and get out of your rooms and meet people."

Thompson added that the support and camaraderie of his shop have made his time here more enjoyable.

"The best part of going to work is being around the people in the shop," he said. "They let us know if something needs to be improved and they'll also give us praise when it's deserved.

"This place has really grown on me, and I can credit that to the people I've met here."