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A Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Robert Hardnick

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs staff
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  This week's Rock Solid Warrior is Senior Airman Robert Hardnick. Hardnick is an air transportation specialist assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. The Sacramento, Cali. native is deployed from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Cali.

In his own words:

Q: What is your family's military heritage?
A: My mother and father served in the Air Force.

Q: What is your mission here?
A: My mission here is to assist in the downrange transition. We facilitate a lot of the cargo that comes to and from numerous region.

Q: What are some of the best parts of your mission?
A: The best parts of my mission is knowing that every single piece of cargo we move plays a vital part in the bigger picture, I am making history; it's a great feeling.

Q: What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
A: One challenge would have to be flights breaking the itinerary. Some come in early or not at all. That's where we have to adjust our own schedule to accommodate any missions that require our services. Sometimes we'll be servicing two aircraft at once. We always manage to get our job done on time though! We have fun doing it.

Q: How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
A: The operations tempo is what makes this location different from my home station.

Q: How many times have you deployed?
A: This current deployment marks my third one.

Q: What makes this deployment unique?
A: This is my third deployment in three years. My first deployment was also Here. I have also met some of the most awesome people on this deployment. I always meet new and exciting people, that's what truly makes each of my deployments unique.

Q: Why did you join the Air Force?
A: I joined mostly for the school benefits. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.


(The Rock Solid Warrior is a weekly spotlight focused on an outstanding member of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. These unsung heroes have been nominated by their unit leadership to be recognized for their efforts while deployed.)