Rock Solid Warrior: Tech. Sgt. Adam Grooms

Published Sept. 7, 2012
386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Rank/First & Last Name: Tech. Sgt. Adam Grooms

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron

Duty Title: Electrical Power Production Craftsman

Home unit/station: 165th Air Wing/Combat readiness Training Center, Savannah, Georgia

Family's military heritage: Inspiration for commitment to country and service is derived from my father's service of over 20 years in the Army National Guard, as well as my brother's 14 year commitment to the Marine Corps

What is your mission here?
To provide and sustain base infrastructure pertaining to electrical power production (i.e. prime power development/sustainment) as well as servicing and maintaining Aircraft Arresting Systems

What are some of the best parts of your mission?
It is truly remarkable to work in a joint effort with those of other AFSCs as well as other branches of service to provide uninterrupted ops and mission success. I believe that something can be learned each and every day from those who you interact with while fulfilling mission requirements and it is humbling to learn from other service members at all levels of career and professional development.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
Sometimes in an expeditionary environment, it is difficult to obtain parts for equipment repairs in a timely manner. We as a team combined our efforts and expertise to improvise solutions quickly and effectively in an attempt to control the outcome of such situations, and to meet the needs of the customer as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
I have found that in this environment, it comes to surface that we take for granted knowing the habits and personalities of those we have become accustomed to working with at home station. I think that while it is very beneficial to work with people from all walks of life, it is engaging to adapt to a new environment, while learning the structure and habits of a new team.

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

What makes this deployment unique?
Once again, working with a new group of people always makes for a unique experience. Adapt and overcome is truly the key here, and remaining positive and always looking for a solution when a problem arises definitely helps.

Why did you join the Air Force?
The Air National Guard provided an opportunity to receive training applicable to my civilian work, provided structure and discipline required for success in any occupation, and gave me a unique opportunity to serve others. While I always expected it to remain a somewhat supplementary aspect of my career and character, it has led to a full-time position that I could not be happier with. Also, the stability that military retirement offers seems to be unmatched by much of the jobs available today in the civilian sector, and stability in these difficult times for our economy is very beneficial.