Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Katherine Herzer

Senior Airman Katherine Herzer, 319th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, adjusts the focus on a microscope, Nov. 8, 2013, at the medical laboratory on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Herzer was named the base’s Warrior of the Week for the second week of November, 2013. The base medical laboratory services are accredited by the College of American Pathologists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Air Force medical lab technician: Senior Airman Katherine Herzer

Senior Airman Katherine Herzer, 319th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, transfers bacteria cultures using a bio-safety examining cabinet Nov. 8, 2013, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. As an Air Force medical lab technician, the 22-year-old from Evansville, Ind., went through a four-month-long training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas, for the first phase of their technical training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Air Force medical lab technician at work

Senior Airman Katherine Herzer, 319th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, places liquid samples in a centrifuge, Nov. 8, 2013, at the medical laboratory on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. A centrifuge is a piece of laboratory equipment, driven by a motor, which spins liquid samples at high speed to separate substances of greater and lesser density. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Safe handling: Air Force medical lab tech at work

Senior Airman Katherine Herzer, 319th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, removes a biohazard bin to properly seal it for shipment to an incinerator Nov. 8, 2013, at the medical laboratory on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The base medical laboratory complies with federal regulations and laws for medical sample handling by using warning labels such as the biohazard symbol and requiring all authorized lab technicians wear latex gloves. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Katherine Herzer

Published Nov. 13, 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 Katherine Herzer

Unit: 319th Medical Support Squadron

Duty title: Medical Laboratory Technician

Time in service: 4 years, 5 months

Hometown: Evansville, Ind.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force is important to me because of the sense of honor and pride I get from being able to work with so many well-rounded people. I get to serve my country and serve the great Airmen who surround me. I'm not just the person who takes your blood; I'm the proud Airman in uniform that takes your blood.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
I have had several accomplishments in the three years I've been stationed here. Some of my proudest ones are finishing my associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force, starting my bachelor's along with up keeping my certification as medical lab technician, and making Staff Sergeant this year. I feel with these particular accomplishments, not only am I bettering myself, but I am carving my way as a better Airman for the Air Force.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to meet all of the different patients who come through my clinic. There are people from all over who have many stories to tell. On the plus side, I get to help Airmen keep up their readiness and help in resolving patient illnesses.

Who inspires you and why?
This is kind of a hard question for me. I don't have any one specific person who inspires me. I receive it from multiple people through their acts. For example, the pararescuemen from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., who used their skills and knowledge to help car crash victims or just random acts of kindness I see from fellow wingmEn. It's the small things that can influence someone to be better and improve.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
Everyone here is like a tight-knit family. The amount of support we give and receive is really quite amazing and gives us a place among the "Chosen Frozen."