Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Courtney Schmitz

  • Published
  • By Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Trading the California sun and fun for North Dakota winters might seem regretful for most people, but there is no looking back for Airman 1st Class Courtney Schmitz, 319th ARW knowledge operations manager.

Airman Schmitz hails from beautiful San Bernardino, Calif., an area that is accustomed to sunshine all year round.

"Moving here was definitely a little different," Airman Schmitz laughed. "Now I know what a winter is really like."

Weather wasn't the only adjustment Schmitz had to make in her move to Grand Forks.

Schmitz works directly with the needs and responsibilities of multiple officers and the wing commander, Col. Don Shaffer.

"Working directly with both officers and enlisted airmen keeps me on my toes," she said. "It is good for me, and I think it would be good for all airmen to interact with command. It is almost necessary because you want to be surrounded by a variety of people to learn more."

Airman Schmitz knows a little something about making leadership decisions herself, as she was recently voted president of the Airman's Activity Council.

"I have always wanted to be a leader, and at the very least, a part of the AAC," said Airman Schmitz. "The purpose of the council is to respond to the opinions, wants, needs, and issues that concern all airmen across the base. I want to be a part of accomplishing these goals, and I think being the president is the number one role in getting that done."

The motivated Airman hopes these experiences can aid her future career goal in working for the FBI, her dream job since childhood.

Outside of the office, Airman Schmitz has always been highly involved in dancing.

"I dance ballet and hip-hop. I've pretty much done it all ... except tap danced," she enforced with a laugh.

Airman Schmitz is also a football fan, supporting what is arguably both America's most beloved and hated team.

"People are going to hate me when they read this," she said jokingly. "But I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan. It has been a rough year but that is what a true fan does, they stick with their team."

Support for the struggling is something that just comes natural for Schmitz.

If given the dubious responsibility to run the world for one day, she said she would work her hardest to improve living conditions and improve overall wellness for those facing hard times.

Although running the world seems slightly far-fetched, Schmitz has taken advantage of various opportunities to travel it.

Visits along the way have included France, England, Spain; and her favorite stop of all - Jamaica. Ironically, a country that sports year-round sunshine.