CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Master Sgt. Jose Piñeiro is a member of the 437th Medical Operations Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than two years.
He is currently deployed to Afghanistan as the NCO in charge of a treatment facility. Sergeant Piñeiro's responsibility includes running a primary and urgent care clinic for U.S. and Coalition service members. He also serves as liaison between the medical operations officer and a main contingency hospital.
According to Sergeant Piñeiro, he ensures a smooth transport of wounded service members needing immediate surgical intervention.
Though he may work long hours, according to Sergeant Piñeiro, what he likes best about his job is contributing to a greater cause, and he is helping with maintaining the readiness posture of those assigned to his unit.
This "warrior of the week" hails from Gurabo, Puerto Rico, but was raised in Patterson N.J. He enlisted in the Air Force more than 23 years ago as a way to give back to the nation for helping his family when they were in need, he said.
Sergeant Piñeiro's future goal is to complete his bachelor's degree and retire in 2010.
"Sergeant Piñeiro is an invaluable asset to the 437th Medical Group," said Lt. Col. Sabrina Preston-Leacock, 437 MDOS health care integrator. "He is an outstanding mentor and has always provided valued insight and leadership to members of his squadron. It was no surprise to see him readily rise to the occasion when asked to deploy to the desert. We are delighted to have him as a member of our team and sorely miss him as he proudly serves his country. The men and women of the 437 MDG look forward to his safe return."