Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Obed Salazar

  • Published
  • By Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Air traffic controllers play a vital role in keeping travel safe and efficient for many people, especially the pilots. And if you're not flying the plane, than you might as well take advantage of the opportunity of controlling the planes from the ground. That's exactly what Airman 1st Class Obed Salazar, 319th Operations Support Squadron, does on a daily basis.

"I had pilot aspirations," said Airman Salazar. "So I figured I could do the next best thing and become an air traffic controller. I definitely take pride in the job."

The former Brooklyn, N.Y. resident, has been stationed here for two years, and is looking forward to the next available opportunity to travel the world and climb the enlisted ranks.

"I definitely want to get out of here and get as many bases under my belt as I can," said Airman Salazar. "It's a good thing with ATC to get a lot of experience in. I plan on staying in the Air Force and becoming a chief. I just want to be a chief."

Outside of guiding planes, Airman Salazar has an interesting habit of collection.

"I just love collecting hats and shoes," said Airman Salazar, who has more than 25 pairs of shoes and more than 40 hats. "I have always been big on matching my hats and shoes together. Every time I get a pair of shoes, I get a matching hat."

When Airman Salazar isn't shopping for hats or controlling the skies, he likes to go bowling and out to movies with his friends. Salazar also brings a strong taste of variety to the diverse culture of the Air Force.

"I am Panamanian, one hundred percent Latino," he said. "I speak some Spanish, but I'm not as fluent as I used to be."

Airman Salazar is also well traveled, having lived in New York, Tennessee, Georgia, and New Jersey; before ending up here.