Page 8 - Edwards AFB Desert Wings 1-15-16

8 Desert Wings January 15, 2016
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Airman Spotlight: Airman 1st Class Braedon Firkus

Unit: 812th Civil Engineer Squadron How does your job help support the test and evalu-
Job title: Driver/Operator ation mission here at Edwards? My job supports the
Job description and its impact on the overall mis- PLVVLRQE\UHVSRQGLQJWRHPHUJHQFLHVRQWKHÀLJKWOLQH
sion: Respond to any emergency in my district whether within a few minutes to mitigate all hazards to aircrafts,
LWLVGHDOLQJZLWKLQÀLJKW>HPHUJHQFLHV@VWUXFWXUHDQG pilots and buildings to keep them operational 24/7.
medical emergencies.
What is your dream job and why? My dream job is
Time in the military: one and a half years working as an engine or rescue squad driver in a civilian
Time at Edwards AFB: one year ¿UHGHSDUWPHQW

Family: Father, mother, two older sisters and one What do you like most about Edwards? I love the
younger brother. mission here at Edwards AFB because I get to see all
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Hometown: St. Cloud, Minn. train on them.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, running and
sports. ,f you won a million dollars what is the ¿rst thinJ
you would buy? A 1969 Dodge Charger.
Why did you join the military? To take advantage of
WKHHGXFDWLRQEHQH¿WVDQGWRVHUYHP\FRXQWU\ What distinguishes Airman 1st Class Firkus from
his peers?
Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Re-
tired from the military, completing paramedic school and “Airman 1st Class Firkus excels while assigned to the
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above the challenge of responding to physically and
What do you do for fun here? I like to get out and mentally taxing emergencies. In his position, he is the
JRJRO¿QJJRWRWKHEHDFKHVRU¿QGDTXLHWVSRWDQGJR subject matter expert for safety systems on Edwards
camping. aircraft; he protects facility contents and performs other
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What’s your favorite Air Force memory or story? PHGLFDOSURFHGXUHV+LVµMDFNRIDOO¿UH¿JKWLQJWUDGHV¶
Since I am new to the Air Force, I would say that my mentality has garnered great responsibility in regards to
favorite memory is graduating from basic training. his rank and time in service. Additionally, Braedon’s
work ethic is phenomenal and he is a trusted agent in the
What accomplishments are you most proud of? ¿UHVWDWLRQ+HDGDPDQWO\¿QGVZD\VWRJURZKLVNQRZO-
Graduating Fire Protection tech school as an honor edge through extra courses, one of which is the next
graduate. available Emergency Medical Technician-Basic course.
Firkus has earned the respect of his peers and supervi-
Who is your role model? My biggest role model is sors while continuing to shine; he sets an example for
my father. others to follow.”

Staff Sgt. Arthur Leyva, supervisor Courtesy photograph

Save The Date

Vets 4 Veterans
Operation Restart

5K/10K Run

501(c)(3) #80-657134

Saturday, March 19, 2016
Antelope Valley Mall
Start Time 8 a.m.

USATF erƟĮed Course!

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To RegistraƟon: www.avvets4veterans.org
Volunteer POC: Capt. Laura PŇedderer 661-277-5292