Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Teresa Rhodes

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Crediting Grand Forks as a much more exciting a town than where she grew up, Airman 1st Class Teresa Rhodes, 319th Comptroller Squadron, had her work cut out for her when it came to making a career decision.

"I am from Natchez, Miss., and when you're from there you only have a few options after graduating high school," she laughed. You can chase a job in the medical field, work at Wal-Mart or join the military."
Airman Rhodes chose the latter, and even that decision remained arguably unique.

"All of my family who joined the service enlisted in the Army," Airman Rhodes said. "After talking with them I decided on the service because all I heard was that the Air Force puts its Airmen and their careers first."

Those factors were enough for Airman Rhodes join in February of 2010, who said she hopes to both commission via Officer Training School in the near future and remain in the Air Force for at least twenty years.

In the meantime, the finance customer service technician will continue to serve others alongside a group of fellow employees comparable to few.

"What I mainly do here is deal with customers' financial and travel related issues," Airman Rhodes said. "The people I work with are honestly like one big happy family. We all look out for each other and if anyone is ever feeling down there are always people there to help you out."

For Airman Rhodes, working a career field catering to the needs of others yields a personal reward.

"The best part of what I do is dealing with customers and getting the job done right," she said. "There is nothing better than when you properly process a document or request and that customer comes back to personally thank you for your work."

The squadron physical training leader doesn't only help others on the job, but in the kitchen as well.

"I love to cook," she said. "If I could choose my dream job it would be to own my own catering company or to be a television chef. "

Whether it is cooking her specialty -- a southern style dinner loaded with fried chicken, greens and beans - or straightening issues out in the finance world, Airman Rhodes does it with a smile.

"I am happy with whatever comes my way," she said. "I think every situation is determined by whatever you decide to make of it."