JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Robert Payne is a member of the 628th Force Support Squadron and is currently on his first deployment since retraining into the force management career field.
His deployed location is in Afghanistan where he is assigned to the 755th-A Counter-Improvised Explosive Device/Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at Forward Operating Base Shank.
In his deployed unit, Sergeant Payne serves as the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device/Explosive Ordnance Disposal Personnel NCO in charge and is responsible for the managed file systems, in-processing, out-processing, personnel accountability, decoration and evaluation programs for 98 military, contractor and civilian personnel at six separate operating locations.
He is also responsible for processing automated system reports, which provide Air Force Central Command officials in-depth details on all EOD responses.
"My mission here is to provide support to the EOD teams, so they can focus on their jobs in defeating IED threats to keep the coalition forces and the local populace safe."
Although it is not his first time away from home on a deployment, Sergeant Payne said the environment and mission have been altogether unique.
"This deployment has been an eye-opening experience. I'm right on the front lines here, unlike my last deployment. You really can grasp the dangers and obstacles the coalition forces have to overcome to ensure safety."
While at Joint Base Charleston, Sergeant Payne is assigned to the 628 FSS as a force management craftsman and is responsible for processing evaluation reports, decorations, duty title changes, duty history, special duty pay transactions and changes of reporting official.
According to Sergeant Payne, the best part of his career is the direct benefit it presents to all Airmen at one point or another.
"My favorite aspect of the personnel career field is letting people know about all of the personnel programs out there which benefit them. You'd be surprised how many people don't know how to apply for a Base of Preference or if their career field has a re-enlistment bonus."
This "warrior of the week" hails from Flat Rock, Mich. He joined the Air Force 10 years ago and arrived at Charleston in November 2006 with his wife Kady and two children, Abigail and Matthew.
Sergeant Payne said he chose to join the Air Force because he felt it would give him the tools to succeed in any career path.
"As far as goals, I'd like to finish up my college education in the next few years," he said. "The Air Force has been good to my family, and I plan to make a career out of it."
According to Sergeant Payne's supervisor, he is a valued asset to the team - solely providing command and control presence during the night shift.
"Rob's performance has enabled more than 138 Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Airmen and Soldiers to conduct more than 740 combat missions. His willingness to go above and beyond has enhanced the overall ability to counter the insurgent's efforts in [Afghan] provinces," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Unterseher, 755A-NCO in charge of the C-IED/EOD Flight. "Without his careful attention to intricate details, the teams on the ground would suffer tremendously."