Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Luis Barrios

Senior Airman Luis Barrios measures airfield apron dimensions to ensure the proper criteria is met for the base's parking plan. He is an airfield management shift lead at the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, undisclosed location, Southwest Asia. Barrios, deployed from Macdill Air Force Base, Fla., is on his first deployment. His leadership has selected him as this week's Rock Solid Warrior. (Courtesy photo)

Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Luis Barrios

Published Aug. 30, 2013
386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Senior Airman Luis Barrios

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron

Duty Title: Airfield management shift lead

Home unit/station: 6th Operations Support Squadron, Macdill Air Force Base, Fla.

Family's military heritage: None

What is your mission here? My mission is to maintain a safe and effective airfield, to provide unmatched support to the base's warfighters, while building relationships and trust with our host-nation partners.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? Some of the best parts of my mission include working with other agencies to maintain the airfield, developing knowledge in my career field, and learning how to adapt to a new environment.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? Working with host nation partners can be challenging. I overcome these challenges by learning their culture and observing their work atmosphere.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Working in a deployed environment provides us an opportunity to work as a team with a diverse group of Airmen with different experiences.

How many times have you deployed? I have no prior deployments, but am a volunteer for this one!

What makes this deployment unique? Learning what it means to be mission ready is a unique deployment opportunity I have never experienced.

Why did you join the Air Force? I joined the Air Force to be part of something bigger than me, to progress in my educational goals and acquire the knowledge to be a better leader and team member.