Red Tails Spotlight: Senior Airman Sydney Foster

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sydney Foster, 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron munitions transporter, stands next to a truck at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in Southwest Asia Nov. 14, 2017. Foster transports munition to the F-16 Fighting Falcons the 100th EFS flies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards/Released)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sydney Foster, 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron munitions transporter, stands next to a truck at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in Southwest Asia Nov. 14, 2017. Foster transports munition to the F-16 Fighting Falcons the 100th EFS flies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards/Released)

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Senior Airman Sydney Foster, 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron munitions transporter, is the newest Red Tails spotlight, a series highlighting the Airmen of the 322nd Air Expeditionary Wing.

Public Affairs: Why did you decide to join the Air Force and why do you continue to serve?

Foster: I initially joined the Air Force for education benefits, but as my career progresses my purpose has changed due to the need of serving the people of the United States and knowing how crucial my decision was and is to protect the lives of those around me.

What is one of your proudest achievements in your military career?

Currently, my proudest achievement in my military career is being able to aide in Operation Inherent Resolve. It has been one of the most selfless and rewarding acts in my life and I plan to continue to do my best from here on out.

What is your contribution to the 332nd AEW mission?

My involvement to the 332nd AEW is to help the mission advance in munitions systems on behalf of the 187th Fighter Wing from Montgomery, Alabama. As a specialist in my career, I carefully handle and transport munitions to service the mighty F-16 fighter jets that carry on Operation Inherent Resolve.

Is there a leader, from your career or personal life, who influenced you? If so, who, and how did they affect the way you've approached your Air Force career?

It’s actually a few people who have influenced me, my mom being one of them. She’s always been one to support whatever decision I made and reminded me to give it my all no matter what.

As far as military influence, my uncle who is a Purple Heart recipient inspires me to put my best foot forward no matter what and sacrifice for the sake of freedom for others. Also, from my home station Master Sgt. Humphrey and Staff Sgt. Holtzclaw always encourages me to see the positives in every situation and make the absolute best out of it because you never know who’s watching and looking up to you.

Airmen often face a significant challenge or a watershed moment early on in their careers that influence their formation as leaders. Did you have any moments like these that helped shape you into the Airman you are today?

I can honestly say it was when I made it to my home duty station for the first time and realizing the responsibilities I had and being able to adapt to achieve the mission. It would be some drill weekends where I felt that I had no sense of purpose from lack of understanding and feeling like I didn’t belong. That’s when I realized, I needed to embrace my duties and step out of my comfort zone and ask the questions that I needed answers to so I could understand my role and grow into the Airman I am today.

It’s all about taking the initiative to realize that though. You may be different from your environment, but you can still overcome your internal self-doubt and shed light on the bigger purpose to accomplish the main goal.

What values and ethics are the most important to you?

Service before self is a prominent core value in my life period. I am always finding ways to give back beyond my personal desires and dedicate all of my time to be a catalyst to someone else’s dreams, goals, and vision to create a legacy over and beyond my years on this earth. It’s way bigger than me.

What are some of your goals for the future?

I intend on furthering my Air Force career to become a Public Affairs officer within the next few years and continuing to serve. In addition to military advancement, I plan on fostering my personal photography business by developing my studio to advance other creatives in my home town, Montgomery, Alabama, to re-create opportunities that I have experienced along my journey, and I also plan to obtain agency representation as a commercial photographer in a major city such as Los Angeles or New York.