Warrior of the Week -- Senior Airman Eric Hurtado

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Senior Airman Eric Hurtado, a 319th Contracting Squadron contract administrator, knew he wanted to join the military since he was eighteen and was willing to do what it took in order to one day be an Airman, or a Sailor or even a Marine.

Even if it took him losing a lot of weight and the disapproval of his parents, one day he knew he would eventually wear a military uniform, though he admits, he did need a little encouragement from the big Airman in the sky.

"I had to lose a bunch of weight before any of the services would let me enlist," said Airman Hurtado. "When I got about half way to my goal, I suddenly developed ankle problems that wouldn't go away. One night, I prayed to God asking for his help, telling Him that if he would help me, I would join the Air Force and continue to seek Him."

"The next day, the swelling went down and the pain went away," he stated. "I knew right then and there the Air Force was in my future."

Joining the Air Force didn't happen right away for this California native. His parents insisted the military wasn't the right choice, but college was. So after high school, Airman Hurtado went to college, where he was very successful academically, but wasn't happy personally.

"I was a biology major and did very well in school, bringing down high marks in all my classes," said Airman Hurtado proudly. "However, it wasn't fulfilling for me and I didn't enjoy being a full-time student. I wanted to work, to do something with my life and college just wasn't where I wanted to be."

So, Airman Hurtado dropped out and enlisted and has never looked back. He went on to become a contracting specialist, though his classmates made it very clear what they thought of his first assignment, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.

"I actually had it as my tenth choice on my dream sheet, but I am sure when they saw that, they erased the zero," he said laughing. "I could hear the others in my class actually wincing when they announced it, but I wanted the assignment."

"It's close to my sister-in-law," he added.

Airman Hurtado has enjoyed his time here at Grand Forks so far, though he admits his first experience with the infamous North Dakota winters left him a little unsure of his initial exuberance.

"We got here Superbowl Sunday in 2008," said Airman Hurtado. "We actually came here as a family since our daughter Faith was born five days before we left to come here.

Soon after our arrival, there was a huge blizzard that hit the area, so there we were, this new family holed up in temporary housing and wondering if we made the right choice."

Ultimately, this Lake Elsinore, Calif., transplant feels he did make the right choice and enjoys much of what the state offers: hunting, fishing and running the many trails. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, his daughter and is looking forward to the arrival of his son, Charlie, who is due in September.

He is also very proud of being a contracting Airman and relishes the many opportunities it has offered him.

"I love this job," he stated. "This job gives me opportunities to succeed and grow both professionally and personally. I could be an officer, stay enlisted or become a civilian and do this. There are so many paths I can go."

"I never would have had all of this if I had stayed in college and done as my parents wanted me to do," said Airman Hurtado.

"Now they are my biggest supporters," he added with a laugh.