CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. James Merrick is a member of the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than three years.
He is currently deployed to the Middle East where he is assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Materiel Handling Maintenance Shop.
In his deployed unit, Sergeant Merrick is the assistant NCO in charge and his primary duty is to supervise four Airmen in their maintenance and upkeep of 88 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including aircraft cargo loading vehicles, aircraft tow vehicles, aircraft refueling vehicles and ground fuel product vehicles.
"Sergeant Merrick maintains the [equipment] that makes it possible for the cargo and passenger movement missions to continue in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom," said Master Sgt. Joe Garza, vehicle management superintendent with the 386 ELRS. "He has helped the Vehicle Management Flight achieve a 5-month, 94 percent vehicle mission capable rate through his vast mechanical ability and his focus on the mission."
While at Charleston AFB, Sergeant Merrick is assigned to the 437 LRS as a specialized vehicle maintenance journeyman, where he is responsible for diagnosing, servicing and maintaining 146 material handling assets.
Sergeant Merrick said he is also an active member of Habitat for Humanity, a local community house building program.
According to Sergeant Merrick, what he likes best about his job is the opportunity to deploy overseas and experience the effect his job has on the mission.
"Maintaining and repairing the 60K and 25K aircraft loaders and 10K forklifts gives us the insight of seeing how our vehicles can physically offload 60,000 pounds of cargo whether it be, medical supplies, ammunition or baggage to forward operating bases in the area of responsibility in a matter of minutes," he said. "It's a good feeling knowing that people on the front lines are receiving the needed supplies and equipment that is so highly needed to get their mission accomplished."
Sergeant Merrick said he feels his greatest contribution to Team Charleston's mission is accomplished through his consistent provision of fully functional, well-maintained handling equipment.
"Without properly serviced and maintained material handling equipment, the wing would be unable to move, load or transport cargo," he said.
This "warrior of the week" hails from Chelmsford Essex, Great Britain, and joined the Air Force 10 years ago. Sergeant Merrick said his goals are to complete his college degree in science and to continue with a degree in business management.
"I chose the military life for a couple of reasons. My dad was in the Air Force ... my brother is also in the Air Force," Sergeant Merrick said. "Plus, the benefits and knowledge that you receive from the military you can't go wrong with. The military has been the only thing I have known and I'm glad that I made the right choice to enlist.
"I want to wish Team Charleston a safe and happy Christmas and for everyone to keep in their thoughts with the thousands of military service members from all branches who will not be spending the holiday season with their families and loved ones," he said.