SOUTHWEST ASIA-- This week’s Rock Solid Warrior is TSgt Andrea Sanchez, a 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron, squadron aviation resource manager, deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. 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?
Squadron Aviation Resource Manager (SARM), 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron (EATKS)
Which squadron and base are you deployed from?
310th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force to get an education and see the world while serving my country.
How is your deployed unit/job different from your home unit/job?
At Luke the mission is to train F-16 pilots, but while being deployed here, I have a chance to work with the MQ-1 and MQ-9 and both the U.S. Air Force and coalition force officer and enlisted aircrew who deliver combat capable aircraft to supported units.
What are some of your professional and personal goals?
My professional goals are to complete my bachelor’s degree, and make it all the way to chief master sergeant. My personal goal is to complete a 26.2 mile run and leave here weighing 15 pounds less.
What is your favorite part of your mission here?
The overall experience of getting to support this operation while meeting new people and learning a different part of my job.
What are some of your hobbies?
Right now my hobbies include running around the base and working out.
What are some of the challenges you face here? How do you overcome them?
This is my first deployment, so I didn’t know what to expect at all. So I had to get into the rhythm of being deployed. I’ve also never worked with this aircraft or these aircrew members, so I had to read and learn the AFI’s on the MQ-1 and MQ-9 training and Go and No-Go requirements for the MDS and aircrews. Now, it is just trying to stay away from Green Bean’s donuts and muffins, which I haven’t overcome quit yet.