Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Alex Ponusky

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson
  • 319 Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Name and Rank: Senior Airman Alex Ponusky

Unit: 319th Contracting Flight

Duty title: Contract Specialist

Time in service:  4 years

Time on station:  4 years

Hometown:  Lunenburg, Mass.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
It was always a personal goal to join the military, and I wanted to do something that few of my friends and family members would ever get to experience. It also offered me many unique opportunities and benefits that were previously unavailable.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
The moment that stands out most to me was actually my first Unit Compliance Inspection back in August of 2011. I was recognized as an "Outstanding Performer" during the inspection, and coined during the Wing de-brief.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My co-workers, and being part of a career-field that continually challenges me on a day-to-day basis. It adds a little extra motivation to get out of bed on those negative 35 degree mornings.

How do you apply the wing commander's principles of 'passion, proficiency and professionalism?
Simply to the best of my abilities; you need all three of these attributes to be an effective and contributing member within your unit.

Who or what inspires you and why?
I draw my inspiration from real life heroes like the ones I've encountered throughout my life and my Air Force career. "Lead by example" has always been a motto that has stuck with me since I was young, and it continues to be my motivation to this day.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
I honestly had no idea what to expect when I arrived to Grand Forks. It wasn't a place that I was familiar with geographically, or culturally. I arrived in January of 2011 to some of the most bitter-cold temperatures I had ever experienced, but was pleasantly surprised to see the that the local populace (and military members) were still leading very active lifestyles despite the inhospitable conditions. This opened the door for me get into things such as ice-fishing, hunting, ultimate-frisbee and numerous other activities I never participated in.

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 Step-Dad is active-duty Air Force and is stationed at Moody Air Force Base as a Combat Rescue Officer.  Growing up, some of the duty stations I've been to have included: Seymour-Johnson, Kirtland, Nellis, RAF Lakenheath/Mildenhall, Fairchild, and Moody.