Airman Spotlight: Senior Airman Anthony F. Urankar Jr.

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Name: Anthony F. Urankar Jr.

Unit: 51st MXS Transient Alert/Crash Recovery

Job title: Crew Chief

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: Transient Alert and Crash Recovery team member. As a Transient Alert member, I recover, launch, and assist servicing over 50 different DoD and foreign transient aircraft that visit Osan AB. Additionally, we receive over 50 distinguished visitors a month, so a sharp image is a must because we are the first impression visitors and arrivals get of the Mustang team. Also, I am a Crash Recovery team member. In the event of an aircraft emergency, we respond and assess the situation and then take action accordingly. Every emergency is unique and therefore requires quick, yet safe, action to first ensure the safety of the pilot or crew and then the preservation of the aircraft. It is also imperative I get the aircraft off the runway and clear of the airfield so air operations may continue.

Time in the military: 4 years

Time at Osan: Five months

DEROS: July 2012

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN

Hobbies: Sports, music, weight lifting, and traveling

Why did you join the military? To travel, serve my country, and experience things that most people never get the opportunity to do.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Either still in the military or going to school.

What do you do for fun here? Working out, trying to eat different Asian cuisine, and traveling.

What would you like to change about Osan? I would like to see a bigger gym. It gets pretty packed in there.

What is the best part of being at Osan? The best part is being able to experience a different culture.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? My favorite Air Force memory had to be my first trip down to the targeting range. I launched out my F-15 Strike Eagle and it came back with no bombs on it. There's no better feeling knowing that you made that happen.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? When I won BTZ because I earned that stripe and it wasn't given to me just for how long I've been in.

Who are your role models? My Father. Without him, I wouldn't be who I am today.