Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Jalen Young Published Dec. 3, 2015 By Senior Airman Bonnie Grantham 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Unit: 319th Security Forces Squadron Duty title: Installation Entry Controller Time in service: 1 year Time on station: 7 months Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina 1. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? It is important because the U.S. Air Force is bigger than me. Serving my country along with serving the world's greatest military is something I never thought I could accomplish. It also puts me in a better position to grow and develop not only in my career, but as a person. 2. What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of passing my initial Standard Evaluation for my certification on my job. A lot of people don't know that I had failed my first time, and although I was disappointed in myself, my flight and my leadership never shifted faith and still believed in me. With that and through the grace of God, not only was I able to pass the second time I tested, but I scored a 97 overall. 3. What is your favorite part of your job? I absolutely love interacting with the people on the installation. I take pride in trying to help others even if it's only through smiling, checking I.D's and filling out visitors passes. When I get to speak to other military, contractors or civilians when I'm at the gate, I believe for a brief moment that I could possibly make someone's day better. Sometimes asking someone how their day is going or joking with them right before they come through the gate could be enough to turn any negative energy into positivity for that individual. 4. Who inspires you and why? Many people and things inspire me and it wouldn't be fair just to name one thing. Every day when I look back at where I came from, I remember that it wasn't easy, but I made a way to be here and represent my hometown and my family. My friends and peers at work inspire me to work hard, but also take pride in my work. My fiancé inspires me the most though, because not only do I want to be better for myself, but for her and my future family as well. 5. What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks AFB is a cool place other than the temperature or weather? I found out early on that the people on the base were going to make my transition here a lot smoother. Seriously though, it does get cold here and that was the first thing I was saying when I got here and felt that wind chill.