Warrior of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Chenika Baker

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bonnie Grantham
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Name: Tech. Sgt. Chenika Baker 

Unit: 319th Communications Squadron

Duty title: NCO-in-charge, High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) Bravo Element

Time in service: 14 years

Time on station: 6 months

Hometown: Belleville, Ill.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? 
There is nothing better than being able to support and defend this great nation.  The mission that we do day in and day out is highly important and being a part of that is a great feeling.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? 
In general, I am proud of how we accomplish the mission as a team, especially the team I directly work right alongside every day.  It's really great seeing everyone working together to execute the mission.

What is your favorite part of your job? 
My favorite part of my job is just being a part of and working with such an important system as HFGCS.  We communicate and interface with other commands daily.  Not many people will experience and have the opportunity to do this job and for this I am thankful.  I like doing something new; it challenges me and keeps me on my toes.  The impact this mission makes really amazes me. 

How do you apply the wing commander's principles of 'passion, proficiency and professionalism'? 
The way I apply these principles is by embodying them and taking it to my work center and living it every day.  This means having passion about the Air Force, my job and being positive.  It's about being proficient in what I do, taking care of my Airmen and being professional.

Who or what inspires you and why?
My family inspires me, especially my grandmother.  She is such a strong woman.  She has been through a lot throughout her life.  She is the glue that holds my family together.  She has sacrificed so much for us.  She has taught me that no matter what you are going through, you must keep pushing toward your goals and never give up.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
Once I arrived here at Grand Forks, I realized the different opportunities we have here such as being close to Canada, not too far of a drive to travel to Minneapolis, and taking classes.  Anywhere you may be stationed at is all about what you make of it.