GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- When a 6-foot tall Viking, complete with sword, shield, and horned helmet, was at the quarterly awards ceremony getting everyone fired up, it seemed as if the wing's Nordic mascot came to life.

The mascot, affectionately known as Sven, stands his ground against the harsh winds and the bitter temperatures of North Dakota. Whether displayed on a poster, engraved on a plaque, or immortalized in metal, Sven is the Warrior of the North and represents the finest warriors that the Air Force has to offer. The man beneath the helmet is no different.

Senior Airman William Paul, 319th Medical Group optometry technician, is the current Sven, donning his armor for various wing functions. He is known for being a bit loud and crazy at times, perhaps from his Philadelphian upbringing or his time spent in New Jersey; regardless, after his performance at the annual awards ceremony, he was permanently hired. Paul was even coined by the commander for his energetic screams and his ability to rile up the crowd.

His energy not only shows when he plays the role of Sven, but when he takes on the role of head motivator for his squadron sports. Airman Paul was very active with sports in high school and was often the guy who led the rally cry.

"Being the energetic one often tends to rub off on others," he said.

For Airman Paul, becoming Sven to represent the spirit of the wing is a great honor and something he looks forward to each time.

"Suiting up for Sven is almost like suiting up for football, the difference is I'm not allowed to go out and hit anybody," he joked. "I have just as much fun. I'm naturally an energetic person and when that suit goes on it's like all the energy is ready to come out."

The spirit of Sven isn't limited to awards ceremonies as it embodies the actions of the wing. His battle cry can be heard around the globe as our tankers fly their missions overseas; his heart is revealed as we help out the local communities in times of need, and his sword is honed to a fine edge through the constant training and exercises we accomplish on a regular basis. In a way, every Airman here on base combines these attributes as they represent the wing and the Air Force around the world.