Faces of RAF Mildenhall
By Tech. Sgt. Tracy L. DeMarco, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
/ Published September 14, 2007
RAF MILDENHALL, England --
During a seminar I attended last month I had the opportunity to listen to a high-ranking enlisted leader in the U.S. Air Force. One thing he said that stuck out in my mind was that "Airmen today are war fighters." That rang true when I met Airman 1st Class Alicia Muro. She not only faces operational challenges at her home station every day, but she recently volunteered to deploy. Her positive attitude and willingness to go where she is needed is indicative of today's Airmen and the reason I'm still in the Air Force.
Airman 1st Class Muro works as an aircrew flight equipment technician for the 100th Operations Support Squadron. She joined the Air Force from her home town, Los Angeles, Calif. The youngest of six siblings, she is the first to join an armed service. Her desire for an overseas assignment was granted when she arrived at her first duty station - RAF Mildenhall.
Q. When and why did you join the Air Force?
A. On Jan. 10, 2006. I've always wanted to join some branch of the military.
Q. Were you guaranteed a job in aircrew flight equipment (life support)?
A. No I didn't choose life support, it chose me.
Q. What is the best part of your job?
A. The best part of my job is no two days are the same.
Q. What is the most challenging part of your job?
A. Trying to stay on top of things, but you never really can because things come up last minute.
Q. Why do you think the Air Force is a great stepping off point for young Americans?
A. Because you gain so much more experience than most people your age, plus it gives you a chance to save money and get money for school.
Q. What are your career plans after the Air Force?
A. I want to join the Los Angeles Police Department, and I also want to get my degree.
Q. Do you have any regrets about joining, if not why?
A. The only regret I have is not joining straight out of high school with a guaranteed Air Force Specialty Code.
Q. What would motivate you to reenlist?
A. Working with fighters, getting more job satisfaction, and maybe an incentive flight on a fighter.
Q. If you had it to do over again, would you join the Air Force? Why?
A. Yes, I would because I've gained so much and been able to give back at the same time.
Q. What besides a paycheck have you gained from your Air Force experience?
A. College, the chance to live overseas, and I've met so many people I would never have met back home.
Q. What advice would you have for new Airmen coming into the Air Force today?
A. Come in with a guaranteed AFSC that will challenge you and make you want to come to work every day.
Q. Please tell me your best story about being in the Air Force?
A. I don't have a good story yet, but I'm sure I'll have a few after I get back from deployment.