Rock Solid Warrior: Staff Sgt. Richard Nimakoh-Boadu

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- This week’s Rock Solid Warrior is Staff Sgt. Richard Nimakoh-Boadu, reception, staging, onward movement, integration technician, with the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, deployed from the 513th Air Control Group, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

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 reception, staging, onward movement, and integration with the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron.

Which squadron and base are you deployed from?

I am deployed from the 513th Air Control Group, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Why did you join the Air Force?

I joined because I needed a sense of purpose and wanted to help protect those who can’t protect themselves.

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

The people I work with at my home station and deployed unit are not that different. In both places I am surrounded by good SNCO’s and officer’s who help me be the best me possible. As far as the job goes, I am personnel back home. Here I deal with members gearing up to move all over the AOR and all this happens at odd times of the night or day.

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

My professional goals are to keep moving up in rank, cross over to fire protection, and get back in school. My personal goals are to take care of body, open up my own Spanish food truck, live life to the fullest, stay positive, and mentally strong. There’s nothing more sad than getting older and becoming that “grumpy old man.”

What is your favorite part of your mission here?

My favorite part of the mission is knowing I am getting my members ready to contribute to the fight.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy training others in kickboxing and traveling

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

I think the main challenge I’ve faced here is our office is not manned 24/7 so when we have members come in and out in the middle of the night or early morning, I’m the POC they reach out to. I overcame it by keeping an open mind, knowing I had a job to do and knowing my members are being taken care of comes first. Another challenge is certain leisure activities are unavailable here.