Team Osan Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Ernest Opoku

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  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Name: SSgt Ernest A. Opoku

Unit: 51 CES

Job title: Pavement and Equipment Operator

Job description and its impact on the overall mission:  Leads military and civilian work teams to maintain and repair 75 miles roads, 140K sq yds of sidewalks, 2,102 acres of land, 30 miles of perimeter fencing and 1.5M sq. yds of airfield pavements.

Additionally, he is responsible for a $10M special purpose vehicle fleet to train and conduct Airfield Damage/Repair and Snow Removal operational teams in support of $3.4B infrastructure, USFK's #1 weapons platform, the AF's largest tactical flying program and the CJCS/PACOM priority ISR missions.

Time in military:  5 years

Time in Osan: 4 months

DEROS:  03 Dec 15

Family:  Father, Mother, brother and two sisters.

Hometown:  Worcester, MA

Hobbies:  Watching New England Patriots and Boston Celtics/playing pick-up games with my friends

Why did you join the military? : I wanted to serve my country while getting the opportunity to experience different cultures around the world. Also I wanted to be independent, develop job skills and grow as a man

Where do you see yourself in 10 years or 20 years? : I see myself being successful in my career whatever and wherever it may be

What do you do for fun here? : I like to play sports, enjoy time with my friends, and explore Korea and its culture

What is your favorite Air Force memory or story? : Would have to be seeing Predator drone capabilities while I was deployed

What accomplishments are you most proud of? : Being able to show my parents what I do in the AF

Who are your role models? :  My father has always been my role model; I see him as a hardworking, honest man who seems to always do what is right and stands up when he see's something wrong.