Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Syler Feldman

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

Rank and Name: Senior Airman Syler Feldman

Unit: 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Duty Title: Vehicle Operator

Time in Service: 2 years, 9 months

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force is important to me because it is to ensure the safety of my family. As part of the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, part of our mission is to deliver Global Hawk parts in order for the 69th Reconnaissance Group to continue their training and mission.  I also serve as an Honor Guardsman. We fulfill the biggest promise whether you served for two or four years, that when you pass away you will get the proper military burial. Our honor guard has the second largest area of responsibility, encompassing North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
The moment as a Warrior of the North I am most proud of is during a flag folding ceremony. Folding an American flag for our fallen Air Force brothers during their funeral is one the realest moments I can experience no matter how many times we go on the road and perform this.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Being in Honor Guard since January, my favorite part of my job is handing the family's flag off to the next of kin.  My first active-duty funeral was one of my best memories in my military career because we understood the reason why we serve and what the Honor Guard really does. It really hit me seeing that raw emotion from families.

Who inspires you and why?
My inspiration comes from my faith in God. When I joined the military I signed up for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape program. Going through the training and failing out halfway through technical school, my relationship with God helped guide me. It opened doors for opportunities.

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 I really liked about Grand Forks Air Force Base was everything came into place for me and my wife when we got here. We became foster parents and blessed with three wonderful children. If I didn't come to Grand Forks, I don't think this wonderful opportunity would have come to fruition for my wife and I at another base.