Rock Solid Warrior: Tech. Sgt. Amanda Grant

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
This week’s Rock Solid Warrior is Tech. Sgt. Amanda Grant, medical technician with the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, deployed from the 96th Medical Operations Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

The Rock Solid Warrior program is a way to recognize and spotlight the Airmen of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing for their positive impact and commitment to the mission.

Why did you join the Air Force?

As cliché as this may sound, I joined to be a part of something bigger than myself. After I graduated high school, I enjoyed the summer and then went off to basic training at 17. It’s been a great ride so far.

How is your deployed unit/job different from your home unit/job?

Being deployed you may have challenging roles you would not typically have at your home station. It is the best environment for self-growth. You become more resourceful; finding new ways to get the job done. Knowing it’s a temporary situation; controlling what you can yet being flexible with what you cannot, is the biggest take away.

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

My immediate professional goals are to attend the first sergeants symposium and making master sergeant. My personal goals are to finish my bachelor’s degree in psychology, continue to build the savings for a comfortable retirement, and open my own bed and breakfast.

What is your favorite part of your mission here?

My favorite part of the mission is the people I’ve met along the way. Knowing that we all come from different walks of life offering different perspectives and yet all here for the same reason is pretty cool.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy staying active; hiking, kayaking, and my toddler. I also appreciate my downtime; I love to write, cook, and photography.

What are some of the challenges you face here? How do you overcome them?

I think the family aspect, missing my son, would be my biggest challenge. To overcome this, I allow it to keep me driven using the time as a stepping stone to accomplish personal goals. So, when I get back home the experiences can be shared.