Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Michael Murphy

Senior Airman Michael Murphy, 69th Reconnaissance Group knowledge operations manager, stands outside the doorway to his working section Dec. 13, 2013, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The 22-year-old from Rapid City, S.D., was named the base’s Warrior of the Week for the third week of December 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Michael Murphy

Senior Airman Michael Murphy from the 69th Reconnaissance Group makes copies of privacy act statement at his work section Dec. 13, 2013, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. As an information assurance officer, Murphy ensures documents are properly labeled and handled as part of his daily duties. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

They call me the Shredder: Senior Airman Michael Murphy

Senior Airman Michael Murphy of the 69th Reconnaissance Group shreds documents inside the 69th RG command section supply room Dec. 13, 2013, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. As a knowledge operations manager, Murphy oversees the records program for the 69th RG. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez

Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Michael Murphy

Published Dec. 18, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

Rank and name: Senior Airman Michael Murphy

Unit: 69th Reconnaissance Group

Duty title: Knowledge Operations Manager

Time in service: 3 years, 4 months

Hometown: Rapid City, S.D.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force is important to me because it gives me a chance to serve my country and work with a great group of like-minded individuals. I've had the privilege to work with a great team of people during my Air Force career.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
The accomplishment I'm most proud of as a Warrior of the North is being promoted to Senior Airman because it was my first promotion in the operational Air Force. Coming to Grand Forks Air Force Base straight from tech school and being here long enough to be promoted has been a fun and rewarding journey.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is helping people because I feel like I am really making a difference every day. Fixing even the smallest of problems can turn someone's day around.

Who inspires you and why?
I'm inspired by my leadership. Since I've been here at Grand Forks, my leadership has been a great influence on my career. They have given me nothing but good advice on how to better myself and to make the most out of my time here. Whether it is my supervisor, first sergeant, or chief, my leadership has inspired me to work hard and has motivated me to be the best Airman I can be.

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 Air Force Base is cool place was that it is close to home. I only had a five-hour drive back home to Minnesota. Although home has now moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, I am still only a day's drive away.