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Rock Solid Warrior: Staff Sgt. Dustin Kenzel

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  This week’s Rock Solid Warrior is Staff Sgt. Dustin Kenzel, electrical power production technician with the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, deployed from the 49th Civil Engineering Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Rock Solid Warrior program is a way to recognize and spotlight the Airmen of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing for their positive impact and commitment to the mission.


What is your current job title and unit?

My current job title is electrical power production technician with the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron.

Which squadron and base are you deployed from?

I am deployed from the 49th Civil Engineering Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Why did you join the Air Force?

I joined the Air Force to become proficient in a skill, continue my education, provide for my family, and do my part for my country. I believe the benefits offered by the military are unparalleled and I would encourage nearly everyone to serve at least one enlistment.

How is your deployed unit/job different from your home unit/job?

Doing our job in a deployed environment gives a broader view of how our career field is a vital piece to the puzzle. When deployed, we have many mission essential facilities that run primarily on generator power. It is our job to make sure these generators are installed and maintained properly so that everyone has power to do their jobs.

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

My professional goals are to constantly become more proficient at my job, take advantage of any TDYs and PME available, and make a difference in the lives of younger Airmen that I work with. My personal goals include finishing my BAS in Energy Management next semester and continuing to make myself marketable for employment in the civilian side when the time comes.

What is your favorite part of your mission here?

I would say my favorite part of the mission is providing support to so many different agencies and squadrons throughout the base. You get the ability to see a bit into the mission of each and meet some interesting people along the way.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy riding 4-wheelers and dirt bikes, mountain biking, working on cars, hanging out with my family, and doing pretty much anything outside. The mountains are my happy place.

What are some of the challenges you face here? How do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we face here are getting parts and supplies quickly. This is typically overcome by becoming good at improvising and making things work however needed to accomplish the mission. Our next biggest challenge is being ready to respond in the event of a commercial power outage which can affect specific areas or the entire base. This is overcome by having readily available generators and personnel that are familiar with the necessary procedures to ensure everyone continues to have electricity despite the power outage.