Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Anna Harris

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

Unit:319th Operations Support Squadron

Duty title: Weather Forecaster

Time in service: 8 years

Time on station: 6 months

Hometown: Fairmont, W. Va.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force is important to me because it gives me a sense of country and a sense of pride. Being a part of something so much larger than myself is rewarding. It also helps to ensure the continued safety and freedoms of my family and this country. Serving also provides the opportunity to complete my educational goals while gaining experience and building a career.  

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
There isn't a single moment that I am most proud of, just being very proud of the mission that I support daily and all the hard work put forth by all the Warriors of the North. 

What is your favorite part of your job?
Directly supporting missions downrange to maintain our brothers and sisters in arms' safety, and providing eyes in the sky to many other operations throughout the multiple combatant commands we support.

How do you apply the wing commander's principles of 'passion, proficiency and professionalism'?
I believe this is about giving each aspect your all. Having a passion for my service, ensuring I am not only proficient at my job, but also I feel this includes knowing your Airmen and knowing your peers, overall being a good wingman. Because of the ways in which I was raised, professionalism goes without saying; I feel this is showing respect both up and down the chain, to include respecting yourself. In order to maintain the Air Force that we have, we must always remain professional.

Who or what inspires you and why?
There are many different things that inspire me. The greatest inspiration comes from my daughters, Kaitlyn and Michaela, my husband Derick, and my family back home. I am inspired daily by their dedication to my service, their constant sacrifices and resilience. They motivate me to push myself to be the best I can be, as an Airman and as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc.  

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 number one thing that sticks out in my mind are the people. I'm thankful and blessed to be serving beside awesome individuals. People make or break it, it's always about the people. 

Do you have any military service or anyone close to you? If so when and where did they serve?
My grandfather served in the Army during Vietnam as a combat medic, my younger brother served in the Air Force and my husband is currently serving in the Air Force.