JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Airman 1st Class Ronda Verback is a member of the 628th Force Support Squadron and has been stationed at Joint Base Charleston for nearly two years. Upon her arrival at Joint Base Charleston, Airman Verback had to wait three months for her husband to join her.
"I had a great sponsor who made sure in processing was a complete success and continues to help me whenever I need," said Airman Verback. "As for my husband, he is the greatest, supports me 100 percent and always knows how to make me laugh."
Airman Verback is currently on her first deployment to the Middle East with the 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron.
According to Airman Verback, being deployed is different from being in the United States because she has the opportunity to meet people from different countries and cultures.
In her deployed unit, Airman Verback works as a food services contracting technical representative. She is responsible for ensuring all Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and contractors deployed to her base receive nutritious meals enabling them to accomplish their mission.
"I accurately track the Dining Facility head count daily and enforce strict food safety and sanitation standards," she explained. "Additionally, I perform weekly [security checks] helping to secure customers and co-workers for real work threat response."
While at home station, Airman Verback's official duty title is a food service journeyman. While at Joint Base Charleston, she performed the role as an apprentice, learning her duties and responsibilities.
"As a five level, I have been given the opportunity to teach these skills to new Airmen," she said. "I have also developed leadership skills, allowing me to be an occasional shift leader. I could not have done this without my amazing group of supervisors. Whether I am deployed or at home, my overall mission is to ensure all branches of service are offered the opportunity to receive a hot quality meal."
This "warrior of the week" hails from Evergreen Park, Ill., and enlisted in the Air Force two years ago.
Her current goal for the future is to complete her Bachelor's degree.
As a cook, Airman Verback contributes to Team Charleston's mobility mission by adhering to strict sanitation standards and making sure every military personnel has the opportunity to get a hot, nutritious meal in order to complete their missions.
During her free time from work at home station, Airman Verback volunteers for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. While deployed, she has volunteered at the hospital, Red Cross and the United Service Organization. She does not only volunteer during her free time, she also spends quality time with her husband, goes running with her dog and hangs out with friends.