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Airman Spotlight: Airman 1st Class John Stalnik

  • Published
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Unit: 51st Munitions Squadron

Job Title: Munitions Storage Crew Member

Job Description and its impact on the mission: My job is to store, maintain and account for all munitions items in the 51st Fighter Wing stockpile.

Time in the military: 14 months

Time at Osan: 7 months

DEROS: January 2012

Hometown: Saco, ME

Hobbies: Playing guitar, any sporting activity, music production and fitness

Why did you join the military? I joined the United States Air Force for education, to see the world and for a successful career.

Where do you see yourself in 10 to 20 years? I see myself getting a Bachelor of Science degree and eventually becoming an officer. After retiring from service, I plan on getting into the medical field.

What do you do for fun here? I enjoy bike riding off base to explore the Korean culture first hand, and I spend a lot of time writing and playing music.

What is the best part of being at Osan? (Explain why) This is my first base, so I would have to say the best part of being at Osan is being able to meet so many new people. I've made a lot of friends, American and Korean.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? I can't say that I have a lot of favorite memories or stories considering I haven't been in the Air Force for very long. Although I can say that the very first significant steps of my career has been life changing. Basic Military Training, Tech School and now my first permanent duty station has allowed me to see and live a whole new lifestyle.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I often look at who I was before I joined the military and who I am now. I'm proud of all of the steps I have taken to be where I am today. The fact that I am now a successful Airman in the United States Air Force is the biggest accomplishment of my life so far.

Who are your role models? My biggest role model is my mother, Norrine Stalnik. Unfortunately, she passed away when I was 15. She was truly the greatest person I have ever known, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her and make every effort to be the successful person she was. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be the man I am today.