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Airman Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Roderick Gillins

  • Published
  • By staff reports
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

Name: Staff Sgt. Roderick Gillins

Unit: 51st Medical Operations Squadron

Job title: Mental health technician

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: As a mental health technician, I have conducted various briefings such as suicide prevention and stress management which assist wing personnel with managing daily life and work stressors to accomplish the mission. Additionally, as an ADAP T program technician for the last two months, I have assessed and taught personnel preventative techniques in order for the member to return to duty and not have any further alcohol related incidents.

Time in the military: Eight years, four months

Time at Osan: Nine months

DEROS: Feb. 2014

Family: My parents and five siblings

Hometown: Palmdale, Calif.

Hobbies: I enjoy working out and studying for promotion.

Why did you join the military? I joined the military to take advantage of the educational benefits and travel opportunities.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? In 10 years I see myself as a military physical therapist. In 20 years I see myself either continuing serving or retiring from the Air Force.

What do you do for fun here? I enjoy lifting weights in the morning and Cross Fit after work, traveling around the peninsula, and taking advantage of the various eating establishments.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? While stationed at Kunsan in 2008, my command showed up to my dorm room and surprised me about my promotion to staff sergeant while I was sick.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I'm most proud of being a positive male role model for my nieces and nephews.

Who are your role models? My role models are my parents who both taught me the value of hard work and dedication, and my very first supervisor, Master Sgt. Tommy Bush, who instilled in me professionalism, accountability, and how to conduct myself as a military leader.