CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Senior Airman Joe Giguere is a member of the 16th Airlift Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than three years.
He recently returned from a deployment to Southwest Asia where he served in the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. While deployed, he was able to help in the repatriation process of 10 fallen heroes.
At home station and while deployed, Airman Giguere works as a loadmaster for the C-17. He supervises the on- and off-loading of cargo and performs weight and balance calculations.
"I help conduct worldwide emergency, aeromedical, humanitarian and combat airlift operations," said Airman Giguere. "I'm also a part of the only C-17 unit with a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed 24-hour special operations low-level II alert requirement in support of U.S. special operation forces."
This "warrior of the week" grew up in Summerville, S.C., and enlisted in the Air Force more than four years ago to serve his country and to see the world.
"The traveling is, by far, the best part of the job," he said. "What other job pays you to travel the world?"
His future career goals are to earn his private pilot's license and a bachelor's degree.
"Airman Giguere is an excellent Airman held in the highest regards by all the members of our squadron," said Staff Sgt. James Snyder, 437th Operations Group special operations division assistant NCO in charge of training. "His professionalism, dedication and expertise make him an easy choice to fly any type of mission the wing has to offer. Whether it be a high visibility mission, Red Flag exercise, trip into the area of responsibility or a Saturday local, he is always there to make sure the job gets done."