EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Rank and Name: Tech. Sgt. Ben Hardy
Duty Title: 354th Maintenance Squadron armament maintenance NCO in charge
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Growing up, my grandfather told me the reason he served was to go to war, so war would not come to his family’s doorstep. That is something that has always stuck with me.
What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? When our weapons softball team beat the ammo team for the base softball championship.
What is your favorite part of your job? There is no way to describe the feeling you have as a weapons troop when an aircraft returns with all of its munitions fired.
Who inspires you and why? My father inspires me. I have never met anybody who has as much drive to be the best at everything they do while remaining humble. He has taught me to never accept failure.
What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? Believe it or not, I enjoy the winter when we have 22 hours of darkness.