Warrior of the Week: Jennifer Richardson

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Name: Jennifer Richardson

Unit: 319th Contracting Flight

Duty title: Agency Organization Program Coordinator for the Government Purchase Card Program

Time in service: 28 Years

Time on station: 21 years

Hometown: Bemidji, Minn.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? 
By serving in the Air Force I have the opportunity to be part of an amazing organization. I am proud to work side by side, day in and out with the finest military members anyone could ask for.  The camaraderie among our unit goes without saying we are "Small but Mighty!"         

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? 
Being recognized as a "Warrior" is a great feeling. However, I get that same feeling every time I help a customer, friend or co-worker with a problem and they tell me, "thank you".

What is your favorite part of your job? 
Working with people and solving their problems.  Every day there are new challenges and obstacles to overcome.  I try to get in the right mind set to get the job done - failure is not an option!

How do you apply the wing commander's principles of 'passion, proficiency and professionalism'? 
By treating people the way I want to be treated.  No matter what rank or position everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.  I try to learn from my mistakes while accepting responsibility for my actions.  I believe everyone has a stake in this mission.  I will not ever ask anyone to do something I am not willing to do myself. 

Who or what inspires you and why? 
I have had many mentors in my life and with each mentor, lessons have been learned.  I try to take each lesson and apply it to every day circumstances.  I try to listen to what people are asking or telling me and then formulate the best response to accommodate the situation. 

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 people and surrounding area; I enjoy small town living and the outdoors.  The beauty in this area is breathtaking.   

Do you have any military service or anyone close to you? If so when and where did they serve? 
I retired out of the Air Force in 2007 from Grand Forks AFB and then had an amazing opportunity to come back to work as a civilian. I have been working in the same office ever since.   If my next 20 years go by as fast as my last 20 years then I'll truly be blessed!