WARRIOR OF THE WEEK: Staff Sgt. Jason Baldwin

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Economides
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Name: Staff Sgt. Jason Baldwin

Unit: 372nd Training Squadron/Det 27

Duty title: Tactical Field Terminal Instructor

Time in service:  10 years, 9 months

Time on station:  6 months

Hometown:  Yuma, Arizona

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

My dad served in the Marines and because of that, I grew up with a deep admiration for the military. The Air Force is important because it lets me give back in the same way my dad did. It's not just giving back to the country, but to the men and women I work with. The military culture I've experienced is about camaraderie and fellowship, and that makes me strive to better myself and my work in order to perpetuate that culture.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?

I'm most proud of teaching my students. I've never been in a position to impact so many Airmen on how they complete their job. It gives me a lot of pride (and pressure).

What is your favorite part of your job?

The part I enjoy most about my job is engaging my students in a lively discussion. Questions, answers, debates, the back and forth conversation that lets me know they are listening and enthusiastic about attaining this knowledge.

Who or what inspires you and why?

My daughter inspires me to be the best I can. I want her to grow up with the same admiration and respect I did.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?

The cool thing about GFAFB is how small the base population is. It's nice for a change not being crowded, waiting 15 minutes in line at the gate or dealing with real traffic.

Do you have any military service family members or anyone close to you that has served? If so when and where did they serve?

My dad served in the Marines from before I was born until I entered high school. I don't recall the first couple of places he served. The few I do know are Millington, Tennessee; Okinawa, Japan; El Toro, California; Yuma, Arizona. My grandpa retired from the Air National Guard. He's very modest, not forthcoming about his accomplishments so he hasn't really talked about his service much. In fact, I only found out while I was in tech school when he stopped by for a visit.