SOUTHWES ASIA --
Editor’s note: The
Rock Solid Warrior program is a way to recognize and spotlight the Airmen of
the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing for their positive impact and commitment to
the mission.
I’m Senior Airman LaTorris Johnson, a 387th Expeditionary Support
Squadron Force Protection member.
My home unit is the 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Joint
Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, Md. At home station I perform vehicle management
and analysis, which is the focal point for determining repairs and authorizing
the expenditure of manpower and material through the work centers. I oversee
movement of vehicles and equipment to and from each work center for commercial
contract repair activities. I use economical, reliable and up-to-date
procedures to authorize, acquire, account for and maintain vehicles in a safe
and serviceable condition throughout their lifecycle.
As a Force Protection member, I escort, guard and protect
Other Country Nationals inside the base. The Force Protection Flight provides
"inside the wire" security while escorting OCN personnel supporting
civil engineer services and construction contracts. Force Protection requires me to keep an
eagle’s eye on personnel to ensure safety of base personnel.
The best part of my mission, as a Force Protection
member, is being able to establish relationships with OCNs and to learn about
different cultures and backgrounds. Both sides take this opportunity to learn
from each other and get to know each other on a personal level.
Professionally, I am striving to promote to the rank of
Staff Sergeant. I also plan on working with my supervision to attend Airman
Leadership School when I return to home station. I am also currently working
toward my Community College of the Air Force degree.
Personally, I want to become more proactive in
maintaining a high level of fitness. I feel that the more physically fit a
person is, the more sense of dedication they have mentally as well. When I’m
not working out, I am thriving to achieve my bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Since I have been on The Rock, I have been an active
member in the honor guard and the distinguished transfer detail. I joined both
programs to better myself, improve my professionalism and set an example for my
fellow Airmen.
When I am not working, I enjoy singing, dancing and
working out at the gym. To maintain a high level of fitness, I am an alternate
abs class instructor. The class has sparked my interest in starting a similar
program at my home station.
I joined the Air Force in honor of my uncle, U.S. Army
Sgt. Chad Domino, who was killed in action in Baghdad in May 2007. We were
close; he was my mentor. I remember the day Soldiers dressed in their class “A”
uniforms came to my door to tell my family the news. It was the worst day of my
life. I felt distraught and an overwhelming sense of emptiness in the
world. To help fill part of the
emptiness I’ve felt from losing my uncle, I joined the distinguished transfer
detail to pay respect and to thank those who did the same for him when he came
home. My uncle was a true visionary of the man I wantto someday become.