SOUTHWEST ASIA -- This week's Rock Solid Warrior is Staff Sgt. Rajesh Jaiprashad, a 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, emergency manager, deployed from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. 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, unit and duties?
I am an emergency manager in the plans section for the 386 Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. My duties include managing the Installation Emergency Management program, writing installation plans, all hazards response, and providing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear reach back for forward operating bases in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility.
Which squadron and base are you deployed from?
I am deployed from 482 Civil Engineer Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida
Why did you join the Air Force?
My parents became citizens of the U.S. after emigrating from Guyana. Being a first generation American, I chose to join in order to give a little back to a country that has given me and my family so much.
How long have you been in the Air Force/ what has your military career been like?
I have been in the Air Force for almost six years. I have had the privilege to serve both on Active Duty and in the Reserve component. Overall, my career so far has been fantastic. I have been able to meet and serve with many great people.
How is your deployed unit/job different from your home unit/job?
The biggest difference between my home unit job and the deployed job is the impact rotation changes have on the mission. For instance, stateside we don’t have to retrain our entire disaster response force every six months. Here, in order to meet the needs of the mission, we have to train over 100 personnel in a short amount of time during each rotation. It is very different but rewarding.
What are some of your professional and personal goals?
My personal goal is to finish my Master of Science in Chemistry and begin pursing a Ph.D. Professionally, I would like to continue to advance in my career as an emergency manager.
What is your favorite part of your mission here?
My favorite part of the mission here is working with various agencies outside of my job. For example, being able to meet with the forensic exploitation team at a nearby Army installation and tour their chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives lab was a memorable experience.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my favorite activities include playing guitar, hiking and kayaking.
What are some of the challenges you face here? How do you overcome them?
Some of the challenges I faced here were executing the installation’s emergency management program while simultaneously working on several installation plans. Luckily I had a great group of emergency managers with me so we were able to accomplish these tasks and more.