Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class Theda Shaw

Airman 1st Class Theda Shaw is a front desk lodging clerk at the 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, undisclosed location, Southwest Asia. She assists in sustaining deployed Airmen by feeding, lodging, counting, educating and entertaining them. Shaw who is on her first deployment has been selected by her leadership as this week's Rock Solid Warrior. (U.S. photo by Master Sgt. Marelise Wood)

Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class Theda Shaw

Published Nov. 8, 2013
386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name:
Airman 1st Class Theda Shaw

Deployed Unit:
386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron

Duty Title:
Front Desk Lodging Clerk

Home unit/station:
786th Force Support Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Family's military heritage:
Both my aunt & uncle were active duty Air Force. My aunt served 14 years and my uncle served four years.

What is your mission here?
My mission here is to sustain deployed Airmen by feeding them, lodging them, counting them, educating them, entertaining them and keep them fit to fight.

What are some of the best parts of your mission?
The best part of my mission is keeping our deployed Airmen entertained. It's great to see everyone enjoying themselves after a long day or a long week.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
I work in lodging, sometimes ensuring everyone is bedded down and comfortable can be a little overwhelming.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
At home-station, I work in the Fitness Center. In that position I do not work directly with leadership, however I still service base customers. Here, in lodging, I work directly with leadership and my customer base is both enlisted and officer.

How many times have you deployed?
This is my first deployment!

What makes this deployment unique?
This deployment is unique to me because it's my first one. It gives me a chance to gain experience, try a lot of new things, get involved with on-base activities, and grow as a better Airman.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force because I was tired of working a bunch of dead end jobs and I knew that I had something to offer. I knew that I could be doing so much better than the situation I was in at the time. I also wanted to go back to school and I knew the Air Force was the best option for me.