Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Jordan Kissinger

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

Rank and Name: Airman 1st Class Jordan Kissinger

Unit: 319th Operations Support Squadron

Duty Title: Airfield Management Shift Lead

Time in Service: 2 years, 6 months

Hometown: Shippensburg, Pa.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Most of my family members have served in the military in one aspect or another. Growing up with my mom, I lived all over the country. From a young age I decided that I wanted to follow the footsteps of my relatives as the first in my age group. My service to the Air Force is important to me because I represent both of my families by wearing my family name on the right of my uniform and the U.S. Air Force on the left.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
Through my various accomplishments and awards, I was invited to partake in a Red Flag exercise this past spring at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. I was proud because I was selected to represent my squadron as well as the Warriors of the North in a Major command level exercise. I was there as an augmentee with the maintenance squadron supplying our knowledge and help as air field management. At the end of the exercise I was presented with a Letter of Appreciation from Red Flag commander Col. Jeffrey Weed for my efforts during the exercise.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Without a doubt, interacting with the aircrew members and transient aircraft is the best part of my job. We have a large role in making sure that flights take place without delay to include, their safe arrival and departure.  Knowing that we directly assist in such a major way in the overall Air Force mission allows me to end each day feeling satisfied after a hard days' work.

Who inspires you and why?
I feel truly inspired by my mom, Erin Kissinger, whom as a single parent instilled the values that I carry with me today which are the importance of adhering to my moral and ethical values. She continues to support me and my decisions daily, and for that I am eternally grateful.  Realizing the sacrifices that coincide with enlisting, the decision to join the Air Force was not one that I took lightly, but knew it was something that I needed to do for myself.

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 first thing that made me think Grand Forks was a cool place were the various opportunities that have opened up to me in my time here. I am an active volunteer in the community and have made many friends and contacts along the way from both on and off base agencies and organizations. In the time I've spent here, my Airfield Management shop has become like a second family to me. They've opened their homes to me during the holidays, have welcomed me as a part of their family, and taken me under their wing. I know that my family can sleep well at night knowing that my shop is always watching my six.