MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --
Each week a member of the 35th Fighter Wing is selected as the Wild Weasel of the Week. This individual is recognized by a different unit each week based on superior performance, outstanding work ethic, and overall good conduct and discipline.
The 35th Contracting Squadron chose Senior Airman Benjamin Albers, contracting specialist, as their Wild Weasel of the Week.
What is your daily mission?
To deliver agile, effective and compliant contracting solutions enabling the joint and bilateral mission of the 35th Fighter Wing. We support every aspect, from aircraft maintenance to the Child Development Center, as well as many of the tenant units on base. We also administer the base telecommunication systems and personal wireless communications systems contracts, as well as support resiliency through intramural sports and chapel service contracts.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Perspective, working with almost every organization on base gives me a small window into what it is like in that part of the Air Force. So with every new requirement, I get to learn a little bit more about what it takes to complete the mission.
Why did you choose to serve in the Air Force?
After college and working a dead-end job for a year, I decided that I wanted a little more direction with my life. Having been an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, I thought the military would be the next step. After expressing interest in joining the military, one of my friends who was an Air Force veteran encouraged me to join this branch of the service.
What is your favorite thing about living in Japan?
Mountains, because where I am from and my last station at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, is flat. So, being able to walk out my front door and see mountains on a clear day is a new experience. I’m also excited to get back into one of my longtime hobbies, downhill skiing. This appears to be the perfect place to do so. In regards to the local food, I am a big fan of ramen and sushi.
Who has been your best mentor and what have they taught you?
Tech. Sgt. Robert McKettrick. He was my first supervisor and he taught me a lot about the Air Force that I didn’t really get from basic military training. He instilled the importance of personal accountability through our day-to-day interactions. Ownership was a big thing to him. My takeaway is to ensure I do my very best in everything I do, as my work is a reflection of me.
How long have you been stationed at Misawa?
Two months
How long have you been in the Air Force?
Four years
What goals do you want to meet while at Misawa?
Make staff sergeant, finish my Community College of the Air Force degree, and take pictures from the tops of the tallest mountains in Japan.
What goals do you want to meet during your Air Force career?
I would like to finish my degree and get my Project Management Professional Certification. I would also like to see as much of the world as I can, both from trips I take on leave and from changing bases. Being able to experience the culture of that country firsthand is something I’m excited about.
Supervisor’s comments on why you were selected:
“Senior Airman Albers is an integral member of the contracting acquisition flight that supports every link in the mission chain by awarding and administering services and commodities contracts. Commodity contracts for the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron allow Misawa AB's streets and runways to be ice free, and provide 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment to process chalks faster and more efficiently than ever. Service contracts ensure the 35th Medical Group has qualified personnel to respond to medical needs and the 35th Force Support Squadron lodging is clean for temporary duty assignment personnel. We ensure the 35th Communications Squadron radios are maintained and the 35th Security Forces Squadron range is ready to qualify our Airmen so they are ready to fight tonight. These examples are only a sample of the impact that Albers and the acquisition flight have on Misawa's capability. While Albers may not be a "household name,” he has definitely had a positive effect on Misawa behind the scenes and is a valuable asset to the Wild Weasel Team.” - Tech Sgt. Nathan Smith, 35th CONS acquisition flight NCO in charge.