Airman 1st Class Darnell Walcott, 460th Space Communications Squadron

Published Jan. 12, 2009

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- Airman 1st Class Darnell Walcott, a communications project manager for the 460th Space Communications Squadron is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Jan. 9 - 15.
Airman Walcott has served two years and four months in the Air Force and calls El Paso, Texas home, which has on average 361 sunny days per year, and 74 percent of its population speaks Spanish. In his spare time, Airman Walcott enjoys reading, watching movies, playing sports and spending time with his family.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"Airman Walcott is a communications project manager," said Mr. Tom Lancy 460th SCS. "He directly aids decision makers and warfighters by ensuring critical command, control communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) requirements are received, translated, and implemented as war fighting capabilities.

"He does this by using a number of implementation vehicles -- such as defense contractors, organic engineering and installation teams -- to engineer C4I systems, procure the equipment needed, and have the systems installed, tested, commissioned and operational when and where needed within any link of the kill chain," Mr. Lancy added.

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
As a project manager, I ensure all C4I requirements and projects for Buckley are implemented in a timely manner. This prevents any potential gaps in communications technology from stalling base operating activities or debilitating the space mission of the 460th Space Wing.

I also stand ready to deploy on a moment's notice to fight the war on terror.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I'd like to see Airmen get paid more. We are ready and willing, on a moment's notice, to sacrifice our lives to protect this nation.

Why do you serve?
I serve to test my limits and better myself as a person, while keeping my family, friends, and fellow citizens safe from the "bad guys."

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Having my classmates toss me into the Pacific Ocean. At the time I was a student studying Mandarin Chinese at the Armed Forces Language Institute in Monterey, Calif.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
Receiving the Leadership Award from the First Term Airmen Center. This was significant to me because I rarely think of myself as a leader, even while leading.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
Probably working away at some useless, dead-end job in El Paso. The Air Force has given me the motivation, self-esteem, and focus to achieve personal goals I never before thought possible.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What would you be doing?
I'd like to still be serving in the Air Force in Hawaii or Italy, preferably as a commissioned officer.

Military accomplishments:
-- Leadership Award from FTAC
-- 95 percent average in technical school
-- Marksmanship ribbon

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Airman 1st Class Darnell Walcott, 460th Space Communications Squadron