Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Marco Cervantes-Gonzalez

  • Published
  • By Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airman 1st class Marco Cervantes-Gonzalez, 319th Civil Engineering Squadron Operator Management Apprentice, seems the perfect fit for the job. Or any job, for that matter; he is always going to give it his all.

"I know it sounds cliché to say that I want to be the absolute best at everything I do," said Cervantes-Gonzales. "But whether it is sweeping the floor or dealing with customer calls, I want to get the job done the right way. I attribute my work ethic to my parents always encouraging me over the years."

On a daily basis, Airman Cervantes-Gonzalez's days usually consist of filling out customer satisfaction surveys, updating weekly standby rosters, answering phone calls, and any other necessary tasks that come about around the shop. Although it largely differs his previous job as a civilian where he worked as an interpreter for an Indiana courthouse, it is easy to find similarities.

"Wherever you work, there will most likely be people that outrank you," he said. "But there is a mutual respect because we're all adults. Our leaders don't tell an Airman to go do stuff without being willing to or having already done it themselves."

Airman Cervantes-Gonzalez hopes to live that philosophy in the future, as he intends to commission at the end of his current term. He also has intentions of learning how to play the piano, which is still a work in progress.

"Playing the piano was one of my New Year resolutions, I just have yet to buy one," he laughed. "I absolutely love music; I think it is perfect expression of mood and emotions that someone is feeling."

But music isn't the only form of expression Airman Cervantes-Gonzalez sees fit for approaching life's unpredictable nature.

"Over time I've learned to make the best of all situations," said Cervantes-Gonzalez. "As long as you stay positive, there will be a way to conquer every situation."

This optimistic attitude has served the motivated Airman well, as he is the first member of his family to attend both college and serve in the military. He would also love to become the first in his family to accomplish a few more things.

"I would love to skydive, go snorkeling and travel the world," he said. "It would be awesome to visit Greece, Italy and Spain. I eventually want to leave Grand Forks; not because I don't like it here, but rather to take opportunities to visit as many bases as I can while in the military."