Rock Solid Warrior: Tech. Sgt. Robert Ladson

Published July 6, 2013
386th Expeditionary Operations Group

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Tech. Sgt. Robert L. Ladson

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Operations Group

Duty Title: Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, 386th EOG/CCA

Home unit/station: Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

Family's military heritage: No

What is your mission here? Provide administrative assistance to the 386th EOG commander

What are some of the best parts of your mission? Learning about the flying operations side of the Air Force

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? Learning about operations/flying acronyms. Constantly asking questions!

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Amazingly different! I work in the Wing Staff back at my home station and I'm normally pushing instructions down to the groups. Over here, I'm receiving instructions from the top and working issues for the group/squadron level. I've never edited/input data in a situation report before I deployed here and started working in 386th EOG.

How many times have you deployed? Three times -- Saudi Arabia twice and here

What makes this deployment unique? The people and the positive attitudes around the base

Why did you join the Air Force? After attending college on an athletic scholarship I quickly realized I were tired of going to school (two years of college) and I wanted to try something different. I figured why not try the military since I have always been intrigued about the Air Force. My mind was made up when I visited Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, to see my then girlfriend graduate from basic training. After seeing the Airmen marching and their demeanors I knew right then where I wanted to be for the next four or more years of my life -- in the United States Air Force!