An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

A Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class Guido Morales

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs staff
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In his own words:

Q: What is your family's military heritage?
A: I currently have two brothers in the Air National Guard; both of them are here on this deployment with me. I have a cousin that recently joined the Marines, and another cousin who served as a Marine.


Q: What is your mission here?
A: My mission is to generate safe, reliable and mission ready aircrafts.


Q: What are some of the best parts of your mission?
A: One of my favorite parts of the mission is launching out an aircraft. There are many people that depend on safe and reliable C-130J service, so when I see the plane take off, I know that whoever is on the receiving end will be satisfied. Not many can say they do what I do, and I'm proud of that.


Q: What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
A: Crew chiefs run into several challenges on a daily basis. One of those challenges is to always meet the deadlines that are given to us. In the aircraft generation business things are always changing: flying schedules, fuel loads, cargo configurations, training, etc. So, a big part of my job as a Crew Chief is to always maintain a degree of flexibility when changes and challenges come down.



Q: How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
A: My job in the AOR is similar to my home station, at both locations, safety is paramount. In a deployed location you often don't have all the support agencies and processes that you are used to. You have to be quick on your feet and be ready to adapt to the situations that arise.


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



Q: What makes this deployment unique?
A: This is my first deployment so that in its own makes it a unique experience. I've been looking forward to this opportunity since I volunteered to deploy many months ago. I knew it would be a great experience both professionally and personally. Here I am taking advantage of the many extra-curricular activities available to me. I plan to return home with a well expanded knowledge of my professional career as a crew chief.


Q: Why did you join the Air Force?
A: I joined the Air Force to serve my country and better myself physically, mentally, and educationally. I wanted to see new places, experience things a lot of people don't ever get to see or do. Upon returning from this deployment I will continue my education by taking some college courses in order to further my military career.


(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.)