Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Joshua Thompson

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Senior Airman Joshua Thompson is one of the rarest individuals currently stationed on Grand Forks Air Force Base, as he knew what he wanted to do with his life since he was a small boy, something most of us never figure out.

He wanted to be a firefighter, and now he is one of the base's "Fire Dawgs."

"I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up," stated Airman Thompson. "I used to go and visit fire stations where I lived and my parents always told me that I only talked about being a firefighter when I was big enough, so now here I am."

Though he is now a firefighter for the military, Airman Thompson had been one previously, working at the local station in his hometown of Selah, Wash., for a number of years. But the small town life didn't fit well into his goals and he yearned to see the world and serve his country at the same time.

So he joined the Air Force, and has enjoyed every moment, even though, like many new Airmen to the base, he didn't really know where Grand Forks was located.

"I have to be honest," said Airman Thompson. "I actually had to open up a map to see where the town was located. But I enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, so I have enjoyed my time here."

Airman Thompson will be celebrating his three-year anniversary in the Air Force in January, but is uncertain of where his future lies, though he knows that firefighting will be a big part of it.

"I really don't know if I am going to stay in or not," said Airman Thompson. "I suppose if I get married, things might change, but right now I am just focused on doing the best job I can do, especially since I am teaching fire prevention to people."

While not teaching or fighting fires, Airman Thompson can often be found on the water in the summer and on the snow in the winter. He also is trying to keep up with his fluency in German, a gift from his mother, who is full-blooded German. He admits, however, his skills in the language have decreased over time.

"I used to be very fluent as a child," he said. "But as I get older and don't get as much practice, I am not able to converse as well as I should."

"But I keep working at it," he added with a smile.

Being a firefighter is obviously very important to Airman Thompson and he believes in how important it is to the base and the people who live and work here.

"I want people to know that we are here ready to go day or night," proclaimed Airman Thompson. "Whenever people are in trouble, we are ready to roll to be there to help them."