EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Rank and Name: Airman 1st Class Matthew Williams
Duty Title: 354th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Serving in the Air Force has allowed me to open up tremendously. I have been given so many opportunities lately that I would have never dreamed about prior to enlisting.
What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? One accomplishment I am most proud of is making Firefighter of the Quarter. I have put countless hours into my work and helping fellow Airmen become proficient in their abilities to one day save a life.
What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of the job is not having every day be the same. One day we could respond to a KC-135 with a hydraulic malfunction on the flightline, the next could be three medical emergencies followed by a working car fire. It’s unpredictable and adds anticipation on what the day has to offer.
Who inspires you and why? The newer Airmen inspire me the most. They’re all hungry to learn and looking for that person who can show them the ropes. They push me to be the best I can be, and if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be half as motivated as I am today.
What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? My favorite part about being in Alaska is definitely hiking. I love to explore new places with friends and take pictures to show my family back home.