Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class Ana Mendez

Airman 1st Class Ana Mendez, 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Response Force member, turns in her weapon at the end of shift Apr. 7, 2012, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Mendez is deployed from the 11th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Stacy Fowler)

Rock Solid Warror: Airman 1st Class Ana Mendez

Published April 13, 2012
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Name: Airman 1st Class Ana Mendez

Deployed Unit: 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

Duty Title: Response Force Member

Home unit/station: 11th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

How do you support the mission here? By applying integrated defense tactics in defense of CENTCOM's second busiest aerial port of debarkation as well as building U.S. and host nation force relations.

Favorite movie: "Love and Basketball"

Favorite restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings

Favorite superhero: Powergirl

Place you would most like to vacation to or visit: Bahamas

Favorite actor/actress: Will Smith

Favorite food: Authentic Mexican Food

Favorite musical group/musician/singer: Drake

How many times have you deployed and what makes this deployment unique? This is my first deployment so I have no prior experiences in theater to compare it with.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Cultural barriers. The climate creates an added obstacle to our security posture. However, problems are overcome thanks to excellent regional training I received prior to arriving in country.