CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Michael Balarillo is a senior controller at the 437th Maintenance Operations Center and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for six years.

As a senior controller at the Maintenance Operations Center he gathers, categorizes, processes, and disseminates critical information on all base aircraft arrivals and departures from Charleston AFB. He monitors Charleston aircraft assets at home and around the world for those that are mission capable or non-mission capable.

"I thoroughly enjoy working with our maintenance operations team professionals," said Sergeant Balarillo. "I also enjoy being in a position where I help out our Airmen wherever they are around the world."

This warrior of the week hails from the snow capital of the world, Buffalo, N.Y., and joined the Air Force in January 1996. He left the Air Force for two years and then realized the outstanding benefits and quality of life that are provided to Air Force families and reenlisted in March 2002. Sergeant Balarillo is married to Angela, and has four children; Katie, 7, Loren, 5, Sophia, 3, and Nicholas, 6 months.

"My primary motivation for enlisting in the Air Force was the educational benefits and opportunity to travel," said Sergeant Balarillo. "I also wanted the quality of life and security that is afforded to Air Force families."

"I plan to make the Air Force a career and retire as a chief master sergeant. I am in the final stages of completing my Community College of the Air Force degree, and should also complete my bachelor's degree this year from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University."

"Sergeant Balarillo is a very resourceful NCO," said Master Sgt. Nolan Massaroni, Maintenance Operations Control Center superintendent. He eagerly volunteered for training as senior maintenance operations controller, which is a very demanding position normally held by a master or technical sergeant. He performs exceptionally well under the stresses of Charleston AFB high aircraft maintenance and flying tempo."