SOUTHWEST ASIA --
This week’s Rock Solid Warrior is Senior Airman John A. Perry III, a munitions system crew chief with the 386th Maintenance Squadron, deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va. 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 unit and job title?
I am a munitions system crew chief with the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron.
Which squadron and base are you deployed from?
I am deployed from the 1st Maintainence Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force just before the Boston Marathon, that really drove me to get out and bring the fight. I would like to do my part to deter terrorist threat. And keep those I love safe.
What has your military career been like?
I have been in the Air Force for just over four years. I have been overseas for the majority of my career. This is my second time here. I deployed here in July of last year out of Aviano Air Base, Italy.
How is your deployed unit/job different from your home unit/job?
I would say the main difference between my job out here compared to back home would be the types of munitions. We use ammo here that I’m seeing for the first time, and it’s great to experience a broad spectrum of explosives.
What are some of your professional and personal goals?
My main professional goal is to cross-train into Combat Control. I feel the job would allow me to reach a higher potential and push other Airmen to their full potential. In a civilian sense I aspire to continue college and become a police officer back in Boston and continue to serve.
What is your favorite part of your mission here?
Hands down my favorite part of what we do here would have to be support of the MQ-1s and the MQ-9s. The precision of the munitions and the technology in the bird serve two elite functions. We are able to preserve the lives of pilots, as well as annihilate an enemy before they even suspect something is wrong.
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include: Swimming, shooting, hiking, and finding new places to eat.
What are some of the challenges you face here? How do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge will come at the end of the deployment when me and all of my buddies I’ve made part ways.