Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Maura Coats

  • Published
  • By Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  It may be tough to get a step on Airman 1st Class Maura Coats, 319th Air Base Wing emergency actions controller. The first reason - it is just part of her job.

"If anything happens on base or affects the base, we are the first to know," said Coats. "We monitor messages from higher headquarters and disseminate the information to the base personnel."

On top of keeping the Warriors of the North informed on topics such as Force Protection and road condition changes, the New York native is all about positively advancing her future.

"I stay very motivated and enjoy studying to progress my career," she said. "I am very ambitions and plan to make a living by staying in the Air Force."

The former high school field hockey player is already off to a great start, having been named Airman of the Year in 2010 for the Director of Staff. She was also named Airman of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of the same year, and currently holds the secretary position on the Airman's Activity Council.

Outside of work, Airman Coats' life appears much less structured.

"I would consider myself a thrill seeker -- I love to have fun and try new things," she said. "I haven't had the chance yet, but I would love to go skydiving or bungee jumping."

The former a cappella and jazz choir singer does have a relaxed side as well, and even that comes with some variety.

"I listen to all kinds of music, from Ben Harper to Eminem and 50 Cent," said Coats. "My favorite show is The Office, and I feel guilty for liking it, but I'm even a Jersey Shore fan."

While her interests are varied and sometimes may appear complete opposites, Airman Coats knows exactly what she wants to do if the opportunity arises in the near future.

"I do like my job, but I would love to retrain to work in the Mental Health department," said Coats. "I think it would be awesome to earn a doctorate in psychology while in the Air Force."

Airman Coats would also like to have children, preferably after she pins on Staff Sergeant. In the meantime Chachi will have to do - a half Jack Russell and half Boston Terrier mix that she parents with her husband, Kalon.