CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Airman 1st Class Matthew Irick is a member of the 437th Services Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for almost two years.
He recently returned from a four-month deployment to Southwest Asia where he was a part of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. While deployed, his duties included escorting third country nationals from the time they arrived on the base until the moment they left. He also volunteered as part of the honor guard.
At home station, his duties as a food service apprentice working at the Gaylor Dining Facility include cooking and preparing food, managing and supervising the dining facility. He contributes to the Team Charleston mobility mission by helping make it possible for Airmen to have hot meals.
"What I like most about my job is the independence and responsibilities that come with being a night-shift worker," said Airman Irick.
This "warrior of the week" hails from Springfield, Ohio, and enlisted in the Air Force more than two years ago. He said he joined after high school because he wanted to do something new with his life. The opportunity to serve his country, travel and meet new people influenced him to be part of the military. He plans on continuing his career in the Air Force while also looking at the possibility of cross-training.
"He just returned from a deployment and stepped right in and took on a role that is normally an NCO's," said Tech. Sgt. Jermod Pharr, 437 SVS food service section chief. "He's a hard charger and it's difficult to put in to words the work he does."