Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Kevin Alek

  • Published
  • By Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  After your bags are unpacked and your travel is done, the only thing on your mind is some well deserved rest and relaxation. As you rest your head and begin to count sheep, one guest services NCO has you covered.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Alek, 319th Force Support Squadron, is the Warrior Inn guest services manager on Grand Forks Air Force Base. It is his job to take care of the lodging for both guests and employees - a job he both enjoys and always looks forward to.

"I am in charge of scheduling for nine other employees here, handling complaints of guests, quality assurance inspections and the overall hospitality of the inn," Sergeant Alek said. "My motivation is working to get the mission accomplished the right way."

With responsibility of maintaining 74 rooms at the Inn that on average remain 70 percent full, Sergeant Alek has the motivating challenge to ensure that all guests are provided with hospitality.

"The best part of the job is dealing with people," he said. "I like to see people happy when they leave and to hear that this is the best place they've ever stayed at."

Some might find long hours and customer service demanding, but Sergeant Alek would have it no other way.

"I love working," he said. "I am usually the first one in each morning and the last one to leave."

While a lodging stay is likely to be short-lived, Sergeant Alek hopes his time in the Air Force is the opposite.

"I definitely plan on staying in the Air Force as long as they let me," he laughed. "I always wanted to join the military and eventually decided to in 2002."

The Chicago native has been stationed here for more than four years and in that time, has spent time enjoying the valuable company of many co-workers.

"I am good friends with all of the Airmen I work with," said Sergeant Alek. "We all understand each other and if someone is having a bad day, we are there for them and help out."

As much as he enjoys work, the priority of Sergeant Alek's life is his four children.

"Most all of my time away from work and whenever else I get the chance is spent with my kids," said the running enthusiast. "If I had a dream vacation it would definitely be to take them to Disneyland and all the water parks."