Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Alex Schotanus

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

These five words are the life staples of Airman 1st Class Alex Schotanus, 319th Comptroller Squadron.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without God in my life," Schotanus said. "My wife and I rely heavily on our faith."

Fittingly, Schotanus met his wife Cassie at their local church near his hometown of Fulshear, Texas, before marrying earlier this year in October.

Schotanus claims Texas as home, but foreign grounds claim much of his upbringing. His father, David, works for Shell and his duties brought the family to the country of Holland for 12 years.

"I grew up over there from age 6 to 18," he said. "It's a very different lifestyle; there isn't as much freedom as in the U.S."

One activity that wasn't limited was soccer, and the Dutch culture got him started on the right foot. He got hooked on the game as a 6-year-old and has played ever since, including leading his squadron intramural team to the base soccer championship game.

Schotanus is technician both on the pitch and in the office, where he works in accounting with two other Airmen.

"Each technician is assigned to a squadron and has the responsibility of processing documents to allow money to be spent," Schotanus said. "It's amazing to see how much money we deal with and to get a feel for how the process works behind the scenes."
Connected with the finance customer service office, the entire shop has no trouble making things operate smoothly and sometimes humorously.

"Our office is a lot like the TV show 'The Office,'" he joked. "We've got our Stanleys and Dwights but we all get along good. It is a positive and good working atmosphere."

Having already obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration from Letourneau University, Schotanus said intends on commissioning through the Officer Training School in the near future.

He also intends on bringing some dinner back to the family during the fall, as he loves spending time outdoors, especially during hunting season. Although it's just the two of them for now, there's a plan in place for the future.

"A few years down the road Cassie and I will talk about having kids," he said with a smile. "We can't have little critters running around the house until we're fully prepared to support them."