Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Michael Galapate

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Learning one job is enough for most people, two is demanding and three might just be crossing the line. Throw in successfully learning those three jobs in as many years and you would find Senior Airman Michael Galapate, 319th Communications Squadron.

The friendly and enthusiastic Airman joined the Air Force in the Knowledge Operations career field before transferring to Base Publications and finally serving now as the 319th CS unit deployment manager.

"As a UDM I am in charge of deploying Airmen, making sure they have what they need and know what they will be doing. I also provide estimated timelines and ensure they are caught up on all required training and qualifications," he said. "The best part of the job is meeting with the commander every month - the questions he asks are always a good challenge."

Challenges help drive the motivated Airman, and it might be tough to find one he isn't willing to take on.

"I have been called a workaholic before," laughed Galapate, who nearly drools at the prospect of someday fighting on the front lines. "If I have a job in front of me I will do whatever it takes to get it done."

Airman Galapate was born and raised in the Philippines before moving to the U.S. in October of 2007.

"Moving to the states was very different at first, but I like it much more than the Philippines," said Galapate, who spent time in Las Vegas before happily moving here. "North Dakota is very, very peaceful."

Taking in consideration such a massive climate change, you may wonder how he ended up this far north.

"My mother put a bunch of pressure on me to join the Air Force when we first moved," Galapate said. "And when my daughter Patricia Mae was born, I decided it was the right time to sign up."

It was a decision the avid video-gamer doesn't regret.

"Being in the Air Force has provided me the chance to live the lifestyle I do today," he said. "I have worked hard since joining, but overall it has been a great opportunity."

It is also an opportunity that Airman Galapate is determined to never risk.

"I'm always happy to do my own thing," Galapate said. "I could care less about peer pressure; that's the number one way to get into trouble."