Warrior of the Week: Norman Becker

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

Rank and name: GS-11 Norman Becker

Unit: 319th Civil Engineer Squadron

Duty title: Emergency Management & Readiness Flight Chief

Time in service: 20 years military, 7 months as a civilian.

Hometown: Middletown, N.Y.

Why is serving (as a civilian) in the Air Force important to you?
As an emergency manager, our job is to prepare for war, disasters, exercises, etc. and serving as a civilian allows me to continue to work closely with the military. Being involved with something that has been a large part of my life and still being able to continue to serve as a civilian to provide the same kind of leadership to people truly makes me feel good. Continuing to have the ability to prepare our military and civilians for the challenges we face as a nation is important, some may not face such a high-risk level of adversity here, but at some point, if you stay around this game long enough, you will be put through some kind of test. Being ready for that test is what emergency management is all about.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
There are several accomplishments I could mention and they are all important, but most recently was the preparation for the 2013 flood fight. The people I work with worked very hard in providing support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency this year. FEMA paid us a very high compliment, saying we provided them the best support they'd ever received from a military installation. Being fairly new to this career field and receiving compliments like the response FEMA had for us reinforced the unit's effectiveness and abilities to get the job done.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Learning. My co-workers teach me something every day that can help me further to be successful. Without them, I would not have the opportunities I have had in the past. Every one of them is as deserving of this recognition as I am, and without them taking me under their wing, I would probably not be where I am today.

Who inspires you and why?
All the people in my life...One way, shape or form someone has provided me with some sort of help, they just might not know it. I am a huge fan of Miyamoto Mushashi, a famed Japanese Samurai and Si Robertson, because "Hey Jack, you gotta work hard, nap hard". These men offer a unique perspective on life all in its own.

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 outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing are amazing, I grew up doing these things and North Dakota has provided me with the largest freshwater fish I have ever caught. When you can routinely see and harvest TV sized animals while hunting, this is a good place. There are people that have never done either of these activities, and after they get the opportunity to fish or see a moose or deer they will enjoy the outdoors. If you never have, give me a call....I love teaching and showing the outdoors to people.