CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
Airman Thomas Buena is a contracting specialist for the 437th Contracting Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for six months.
As a contracting specialist, Airman Buena administers and executes contracts for the procurement of supplies and services on base. As a member of the acquisition flight, he administers the refuse contract and is in the process of exercising a one-year extension for the washing machine and dryer contract.
"I thoroughly enjoy my job and working a variety of resources to complete each contract," said Airman Buena. "The contracting specialist education I have received has provided me with a tremendous foundation for my future in the Air Force, or if I decide to change careers and work in the civilian business community."
This "Warrior of the Week" hails from Newark, Ohio, and joined the Air Force in February 2007.
"I joined the Air Force to finance my college education," said Airman Buena. "I registered for school, and at the last minute requested a refund and joined the Air Force.
My father was in the Air Force 14 years and I finally took his advice and enlisted. He told me the Air Force would provide me with the foundation I needed to succeed in life. I wanted to be out on my own and get some real life experiences. I am glad I made the right decision."
"My goal is to complete my Community College of the Air Force degree in the next 18 months and continue on to a bachelor's and ultimately master's degree in business."
"Airman Buena has brought a lot of positive energy to the squadron," said Master Sgt. James Ting, 437 CONS Acquisition Flight A NCO in-charge. He has been very active in morale functions and has proven to be a true team player. Airman Buena is just at the beginning of, what I foresee to be, a very successful Air Force career."