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Rock Solid Warrior: Tech Sgt. Rebecca Varnum

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Rank/First & Last Name: Tech Sgt. Rebecca Varnum
Deployed Unit: 386 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Duty Title:  Avionics Guidance & Control Technician
Home unit/station:  152nd Airlift Wing, Reno ANG

Family's military heritage: My Grandfather served with the Navy in World War II and my Uncle served in Vietnam.

What is your mission here?  My mission here is to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain guidance and control systems on the C-130 aircraft.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? Some of the best parts have been the friendship and camaraderie that have been created within our own unit and with our sister units, as well as the opportunity to gain new knowledge through additional duties.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? The biggest challenge is being away from my children and husband over the holidays and their birthdays. We Face-Time often and I receive a lot of photos and packages from family.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? The mission focus has shifted to being more directly involved in the war effort.

How many times have you deployed? This is my fourth deployment.

What makes this deployment unique?  This deployment is unique because it offers the opportunity to work with Active Duty as well as other National Guard units as a single operating unit.

Why did you join the Air Force? My Grandfather was a hero and inspiration to me. His service and devotion to his country inspired the same in me and I grew up wanting to serve and honor our country.