Warrior of the Week: Airman Anthony Kelly

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

Rank & Name: Airman Anthony Kelly

Unit: 319th Communications Squadron

Duty Title: High Frequency Global Communication System Operator

Time in Service: One year

Hometown: Worcester, Mass.

Age: 21

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
I am driven to become proficient at what I do, and the Air Force has given me new challenges to overcome and contribute that experience to our military. When I arrived at Grand Forks Air Force Base, I had no experience with operating a radio or conversing with pilots on aircraft. Now, I am confident broadcasting my voice over the entire world to offer communications support. The fact that my skills help others in our military and country puts a lot of weight on me, and I carry it proudly.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
I was chosen to give a briefing to Col. Robert Cook, the new vice commander for the 319th Air Base Wing, which was surprising to me considering how new I am to the Air Force and more so to this base. I informed him of how our global messages support emergency wartime orders, reconnaissance missions and a wide variety of missions for Command and Control. He left knowing exactly the service we provide as a shop, and the value of the 319th Communication Squadron. Having been selected to be a Grand Forks Air Force Base Warrior of the Week is something that will stay with me for the rest of my career.

What is your favorite part of your job?
One of the services that the High Frequency Global Communication Systems provide are general phone patch services. Phone patches allow an aircraft to use our radios to make a phone call while in flight. This is also used for weather advisories. Morale calls are my favorite phone patches to connect as an operator. Pilots are able to call their families which helps to make their long trips better. As operators we listen in to make sure their calls are functioning properly.

Who inspires you and why?
My father, George Kelly, is the most inspiring person in my life. He has given me morals and headstrong dedication that drive me to better myself and become better at what I do. He gave me respect for our family name, and I carry that with pride and will always strive to build it up more.

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 Air Force Base 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 or 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 outdoor event allowed me to sit and appreciate the natural side of things, which is something I had not done extensively. 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.