Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Roy Roach, Jr.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Waller
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  For the entire 319th Air Refueling Wing, there is a single inspector general.

The inspector general mission statement states "their job is to ensure the concerns of all complainants and the best interests of the Air Force are addressed through objective fact-finding to enhance the discipline, readiness and warfighting capability."

The man charged with this responsibility is Master Sgt. Roy Roach, Jr., 319th ARW inspector general superintendent. But who is Sergeant Roach?

The career Airman said he joined the Air Force more than 23 years ago from his hometown, Washington D.C.

"I joined the Air Force because I was newly married and I needed a career change," said Sergeant Roach.

Sergeant Roach said he has been stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base for the past three years.

"Before I was stationed here some of my prior assignments included Yokota Air Base and Osan AB, where the majority of where my career was spent was at Langley AFB," said Sergeant Roach. "So far in my career, my favorite base has been Yokota. If I had the chance to go back I would."

When Sergeant Roach isn't taking care of the wing, he is studying for his college classes.

"I have about a year left before I graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management," said Sergeant Roach. "I have also earned two Community of College of the Air Force degrees."

Aside from school, Sergeant Roach also practices the saxophone.

"I have been playing the saxophone since I was in junior high school," said Sergeant Roach. "I play the saxophone for my church and it's also how I met my wife."

Sergeant Roach's future plans include finishing his bachelor's degree and make Senior Master Sgt.