JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Senior Airman Douglas Smith Jr. is a member of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron and has been stationed at Joint Base Charleston for two years.
He was recently deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, where he was assigned to the 728th Air Mobility Squadron.
In his deployed unit, Airman Smith worked as a ramp services specialist. His primary duties were to pull, sequence and load palletized cargo in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
"I was responsible for correctly assembling loads of cargo for movement, as well as fixing incorrectly built pallets," said Airman Smith. "The mission was to load aircraft with palletized cargo, rolling stock and passengers to go further down range to the area of responsibility. The impact of my job was getting cargo to its destination in a timely manner so other service members had the assets to get their mission accomplished."
At Joint Base Charleston, Airman Smith works as a cargo services specialist, which, according to him, isn't too much different from his deployed job.
"My job in Charleston is to inspect, accept and process cargo which is heading to South America and Haiti," he said. "I also palletize the cargo and ensure it is ready for air transport. It wasn't much different than my deployed job, other than the fact I built cargo at home station, compared to physically loading the cargo onto the aircraft."
According to Airman Smith, what he likes best about his job is being able to drive a forklift.
This "warrior of the week" hails from Reading, Pa., and joined the Air Force four years ago.
"I chose to join the Air Force to help further my education, receive great benefits and fight for my country," Airman Smith said.
Currently, Airman Smith's goal is to make the rank of staff sergeant after his first time testing. Following this test he would like to take some classes this upcoming semester.
When Airman Smith is not at work he enjoys volunteering at squadron events, food shelters, recreation centers and offers his time to Airman Against Drunk Driving. He also recently completed six college credit hours toward his Community College of the Air Force degree.
"Airman Smith is a highly dedicated and motivated Airman that continues to strive for excellence," said Staff Sgt. Johnathon Hall, freight training manager. "His volunteer efforts on and off duty, his thirst for education and his work ethic sets the example for the younger Airmen."