Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Anthony Kelly

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

Unit: 319th Communications Squadron

Duty title: High Frequency Global Communication System Coordinator

Time in service: 1 year, 10 months

Time on station:  1 year, 3 months

Hometown:  Worcester, Mass.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

Personal growth and overcoming challenges are a central point in what drives me, and the Air Force has always offered that. Since coming to Grand Forks I have been able to keep adding more and more responsibility that has allowed me to mature professionally, which also spreads to other aspects of my life. I know that even after I leave here, the Air Force will always offer more to learn and accomplish, all while giving back to the country and community.

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

The moment I have been most proud of recently has been when I was commended on a joint exercise between Grand Forks HFGCS and Andrews AFB, Md., HFGCS. I was able to be a valuable asset and ensure our mission was executed efficiently and properly by being knowledgeable in multiple roles. I was recognized by the leadership of both our base and Andrews AFB, which goes a long way in validating the work I have put into understanding our complex system.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of HFGCS now is the ability and chance to train new Airmen coming to the shop. Being able to teach the in-bounds how to operate our system and why things are done is something I appreciated from my senior coworkers, and I can continue the cycle. Also being able to thoroughly go through operations allows people to understand and respect our job, and truly feel like a part of our mission.

How do you apply the wing commander's principles of 'passion, proficiency and professionalism?

Completing the same mission every day, and knowing that I will be working with HFGCS for at least two more years can be somewhat daunting at times, but I have overcome that by taking our wing commander's words to heart. I arrive at work daily with a goal of learning something new or training someone on something that they did not know. Combining that with a high standard of professionalism and relations outside of the squadron provides morale and passion that grows constantly. It is important to me not to become stagnant, and understanding the commander's view on things helps to continue my personal growth.

Who or what inspires you and why?

Aside from my family, there have been a few people I have met since enlisting that have inspired me to strive for excellence in what I do. Lt. Marshall from Andrews AFB has been one of these people. Being Andrews' HFGCS counterpart, I have worked with the lieutenant on a few occasions and have been truly impressed with the drive and insight to improve our system and relations. As a man who served 21 years enlisted side then commissioned after the rank of master sergeant, it seems to have given him a respect for the Air Force that has a strong effect on those around him. Improvements and morale have not been higher since my arriving here and a lot of that can be attributed to him. As someone who is pursuing a commission at some point in my career, he is a man whose example I can follow.

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

Seeing Grand Forks AFB after growing up in a bigger city in the New England area opened my eyes to a lifestyle I had never thought I would live nor enjoy. I was always accustomed to a faster lifestyle and moving through a city without knowing the people I was passing by. The base's community is closely knit and people genuinely care for each other. I went fishing for the first time with a group of people and the slower pace of the outdoors allowed me to sit and appreciate the natural side of things, which is something I had not done extensively before. There is a lot in the area that you can miss if you don't slow down, and I intend to see as much of it as I can.

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

I have a few family members who have served, although honestly I had not fully appreciated their service until I enlisted myself. My grandfather on my mother's side, Herb Peterson, served in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam. He has a deep respect for our country and military and has been an amazing source of advice my entire life. My father spent three years in the Coast Guard, and his father, who has passed, served in the Navy. Both of these men have unparalleled respect from me and have been my core inspiration in my Air Force career. My Great Uncle, Jack Tubert, retired after 21 years in the Air Force. Although we have just reconnected recently, it is clear he is an amazing man who will be a motivation for excellence in me for the rest of my life.