CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Tech. Sgt. Alex Gross is a member of the 437th Contracting Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than eight months.
Sergeant Gross is currently deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a contingency contracting officer for the Joint Contracting Command Iraq/Afghanistan. His unit works closely with civil engineer teams to ensure U.S. tax dollars are spent properly, effectively and efficiently.
While deployed, Sergeant Gross works on creating construction contracts for both U.S. and Afghan Forces throughout the foreign country. His job entails soliciting project proposals from contractors, evaluating those proposals, awarding contracts and then ensuring successful contract completion.
While stationed at Charleston AFB, Sergeant Gross is a contract specialist for the 437 CONS. This position entails creating commodity and services contracts for Charleston AFB. He works directly with base customers to ensure they are satisfied with contract terms and conditions. The job focuses on soliciting quotes, evaluating those quotes, awarding the contract and monitoring the project until contract completion.
This "warrior of the week" hails from southern Florida and joined the Air Force more than eight years ago.
Sergeant Gross said he joined the Air Force to first serve his country and to also gain unique experiences. Another of his ambitions is to pursue further education.
His immediate goal is to successfully fulfill his deployed mission. With more than eight years of service in the contracting career field, Sergeant Gross said he plans to continue his career progression indefinitely and enjoys his life's work.
"It's never the same and you're presented a host of challenges to overcome. It's good times," he said.
"Team Charleston sent us one of their best when they sent Sergeant Gross to Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan," said Lt. Col Matt Sinning, chief of the Phoenix Branch, Kabul Regional Contracting Center. "His 'make it happen' attitude, work ethic and sense of humor are outstanding. He's a great asset to the team and it's an honor to serve alongside him."
Despite Sergeant Gross' enthusiasm, hard work and dedication, his leadership said he is still able to remain a humble Airman serving a great country, doing great things.
"I'm just a small piece of the contracting team," he said.