Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Abigail Nathlich

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

Rank and name: Airman 1st Class Abigail Nathlich

Unit: 319th Medical Support Squadron

Duty title: Biomedical Equipment Technician

Time in service: 2 years, 1 month

Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force is important to me because no matter what role I have in the day-to-day activity of the Air Force, I'm defending my family's freedom. As the first military member in my family I get to serve my country as part of the 1 percent, waking up every morning proud to put on this uniform. I take great comfort in knowing I make a difference.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of being asked to narrate the flag folding detail at Colonel Denton's retirement ceremony. Being part of her last moments in front of us warriors will always be a memory I look back on.

What is your favorite part of your job?
As a Biomedical Equipment Technician I fix and maintain medical equipment on a daily basis. My favorite part of my job is knowing that I may not understand why a piece of medical equipment is broken at the moment, but when I'm finished fixing it, I better understand how the unit works and why it failed.

Who inspires you and why?
My mother inspires me with her amazing sense of optimism and being able to fight through her illness. To know that she's not willing to leave this world without giving it her all makes me want to live my life the same way.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
I never thought I'd be stationed anywhere near my hometown, so finding out that I'm close enough to be able to go home often and have my family visit is a blessing.