Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Obarijima Ollor

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Everyone has a story - where they are from, their first job, their favorite childhood memory, why their dad is stronger than your dad -- you get the idea. For Airman 1st Class Obarijima Ollor, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the beginning of his story was a fight for survival.

Airman Ollor, who simply goes by "Jima", was born in Eleme, Nigeria, and lived there for seven years until he and his family had no other choice but to flee.

"There was unrest between my ethnic group, the Ogoni, and the government over oil drilling in the region," Airman Ollor said. "After deadly force was used on protest leaders, my family and I left for a refugee camp in Benin."

Benin is a small African country bordering Nigeria serving as home to many in need of protection. For Airman Ollor the camp not only served as a safe-haven, but also provided him the opportunity to do what he truly loved.

"For a kid, living in the camp was fun," he laughed. "We got to do nothing except play soccer."

After three years in Benin, the computer science enthusiast and his family of seven were given the news they would be allowed a move to the United States - a move that presented Airman Ollor a chance to serve his newly adopted homeland.

"After playing two years of collegiate soccer at St. Xavier University, I decided it was the right time to join the military," he said. "Joining the Air Force was one of the best decisions I've ever made and so far it has been a great experience."

Airman Ollor is a vehicle management and analysis apprentice who works hard to keep the wheels rolling.

"We manage all the maintenance necessary for all vehicles, maintain records, and ensure all squadrons have the necessary vehicles to complete their mission," said Airman Ollor.

That may sound like a lot of responsibility to keep tabs on, but it is the crew surrounding Airman Ollor that makes the work seem easy.

"The best part of my job is definitely the people I work with," said the laid-back Airman. "No one ever feels left out and everyone makes the office feel like home."

Although Airman Ollor can't be sure what his future holds, he is openly hopeful of how he would like to spend his time.

"Of course the number one dream job would be to play professional soccer," he said with a smile. "But someday I would like to work for the United Nations, mainly with children. I know there are many of them out there suffering and I want to help."