Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Samantha Conrad

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

Rank and name: Senior Airman Samantha Conrad

Unit: 319th Medical Operations Squadron

Duty title: Pediatric Medical Technician

Time in service: 3 years, 6 months

Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?

Serving in the Air Force is important to me because it has given me a sense of purpose and has helped me to develop into a strong and self-sufficient young adult. Before I enlisted I was a college student who had no idea as to what direction I wanted to take my life. Now, almost four years later, I still don't know my direction, but I have developed a new sense of strength and determination for when I do decide.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?

One of my proudest moments took place last year when the clinic achieved an outstanding rating on our health services inspection. I'm proud of that moment because we did it as a team. I had never before experienced such a strong sense of teamwork and dedication as I did in the months preparing for this inspection then I had in my entire life. As hard as it was, and as tired and stretched thin as we were with our daily duties and patients, we pulled together and achieved what we thought at the time was impossible. It was amazing!

What is your favorite part of your job?

One word, kids. Working as the only medical technician in pediatrics my job can get stressful and sometimes sitting down is a hard dream to come by, but five minutes with any one of my patients has my spirits lifted instantly.

Who or what inspires you and why?

My younger brother, Spencer, inspires me most in life. He is 20 years old and works as a supervisor building private jets for million dollar companies. He is the youngest supervisor his company has ever had. I have never seen a young person so focused and driven as my brother. When things begin to get tough and I think that I'm not good enough or I can't do it, I think of him.

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 best thing about Grand Forks is the community. I have never been somewhere where the people are so nice and caring.