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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Master Sgt. Donald 'DJ' Rousseau
 
Fire Department Assistant Chief of Training

Home unit/base: 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard 

How do you support the mission here? I set up the fire department's monthly training plan and ensure all fire fighters keep current on all upgrade training and skill sets commensurate to their rank and required skill set at this deployed location. I also try to maintain a positive attitude to help keep morale up and invite fellow fire fighters to come and talk with me if they need to discuss any particular issues. As a token to the Airmen on this air expeditionary force rotation, I designed and painting a mural on a concrete barrier at Fire Station No. 2 to recognize each Guard unit who has Airmen deployed here.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my second deployment and being deployed with fewer members from my own unit makes this a unique experience. It gives me an opportunity to meet new folks from around the nation. I've also received a promotion since my last tour which has changed my duties. In stead of being 'on the floor' riding in fire apparatus and being in charge of a crew, I'm a part of the management staff responsible for ensuring all fire fighters receive the training they need to perform their duties as well as earn their necessary requirements for promotion.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? While working at my home base, being a traditional Guardsman, we're very busy trying to pack as much as we can in such a limited time frame to cover all of our requirements. I'm often scrambling just to keep my head above water while keeping in touch with each of my guys and making sure they're getting the training they need. Although our training is busy here with the emergency calls we respond to, I have more time to track everyone as I do not have to run back and forth between home and work. I get the satisfaction of helping our guys progress when they might not likely get the same opportunities back home if their units are anything like mine--busy.