ROCK SOLID WARRIOR Published Aug. 22, 2008 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Staff Sgt. Noel Ayala Firefighter Home base/unit: 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico How do you support the mission here? My part in the mission is to ensure that fire or disasters, natural or manmade, do not preclude the mission from continuing. If a mishap was to occur, I am ready to exhaust every means possible to minimize, control or stop the spread of negative effects to the mission. I ensure that fire protection measures are utilized to the fullest, and maintain a constant state of firefighter readiness to assist with any mishap or injuries that do occur. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my first deployment. It is unique because, for the first time, I am able to demonstrate away from my home station my abilities as a firefighter and the knowledge I have acquired in the past four years of service in the Air National Guard. During this deployment I was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant, and it gave me the opportunity to function as a crew chief on a firefighting vehicle for the first time in my career. This task along with the people that I have met here have brought new exciting experiences, knowledge and responsibilities that fulfill my life and career as an Air Force firefighter. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? In the Air Force, a firefighter trains to be combat ready all the time. Back at home, I am constantly training in the skills that will prepare me to come to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and perform my job and duty. The chance to work with the best firefighters from seven different units is a very rewarding experience that I will always treasure.