CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE –
Airman 1st Class Adam Bourquin is a member of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for one-and-a-half years.
He is currently deployed to Kandahar AB, Afghanistan, as an air transportation journeyman with the 451st Air Expeditionary Group Air Terminal Operations Center. As an air transportation journeyman, he is responsible for arranging travel for passengers transitioning through Kandahar and for palletizing and loading cargo to be delivered to coalition forces in the Central Command area of responsibility.
Airman Bourquin contributes to Team Charleston's mobility mission by processing coalition and U.S. forces in and out of Kandahar for rest and relaxation, emergency leave, returning home after deployments, or processing a troop movement to their respective location to help in the war on terror. He also contributes by helping with loading and downloading vehicles, ammo and weapons to and from the front lines.
"I like my job because I get to interact with multi-national forces and civilian counterparts, load and drive many different vehicles, and provide ammo, cargo and military forces to assist in the war effort," said Airman Bourquin. "The most interesting experience I've had here is being part of many ramp ceremonies for fallen coalition and U.S. forces."
This "warrior of the week" hails from Canton, Ohio, and enlisted in the Air Force nearly two years ago as a stepping stone to make some changes in his life and to better himself. His future goals are to complete college with a master's degree in history and criminal justice and to have a family of his own.
"The things I accomplish and strive for would not be possible without the support of my family back in Ohio, the hard work and dedication of the team out here in Kandahar, and the support of our fellow 'port dawgs' back home," said Airman Bourquin.
During off-duty time while deployed, he helped plan International Day events for more than 12,000 military members and civilians.
"Airman Bourquin is an outstanding young Airman with a very bright future ahead of him in the Air Force," Master Sgt. Matthew Messner, 451 AEG air terminal manager said. "He is the 'go to' guy when it comes to passenger operations and has taken the opportunity to learn several other aspects of our job that other Airmen may not see for a few years. He will step in and help out whenever or wherever needed. He is a true asset to the 'port dawg' team here in Kandahar and is making a difference every single day."