Senior Airman Kenneth Baker, 566th IS, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for March 22

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Senior Airman Kenneth Baker, 566th Intelligence Squadron mission planner, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for March 22. Airman Baker is from Saugerties, N.Y., and has served in the Air Force for three years. He enjoys gaming, reading, soccer, martial arts, skiing and movies.

Why was Airman Baker nominated for Warrior of the Week?

"Senior Airman Ken Baker is an involved Airman, active on the 566th Intelligence Squadron First Six organization and is a key member of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Denver's mission planning cell. On March 3, at approximately 3 p.m., Airman Baker was entering the Base Exchange to drop off dry cleaning. He noticed that an elderly lady was laying on the ground next to her car in the Commissary parking lot---her cane was nearby and blood was pooling under her head. Without hesitation, Airman Baker took action and began providing first aid. He assessed and controlled the situation, called 911, ensured the victim was conscious, oriented and awake, and treated her for shock. He remained with her until responders from the Buckley Fire Department, Security Forces, and Aurora emergency crews took over," said Capt. Harrison Fried, 566th Intelligence Squadron executive officer.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Though there are numerous things that I enjoy with my job, the unique challenges it provides stands out in my mind. There isn't always a clear-cut "best answer" for a number of the situations encountered. Often, it comes down to decisions made by myself and my co-workers to determine the most appropriate course of action. In these circumstances, I have the satisfaction of seeing firsthand the significance of the job I do.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I believe that my best personal accomplishment, thus far, was earning senior airman below-the-zone. What makes me so proud of that, in particular, is the sense of accomplishment. I wanted BTZ. I set it as my goal and I put my best effort towards achieving it. While a good portion of that credit goes to my supervisor and flight leadership for their advice, help, and support, reaching my first personal goal for my career in the Air Force carries a special sense of pride for me.

Why is serving your country important to you?

Not everyone can say that their day-to-day job has a significant impact in the safeguarding of our country. Fewer still can truly say that they are ready and willing to put their own life in harm's way for our defense. We are less than one percent of our country's population, and I take pride in that. I consider it a high honor to serve alongside the remarkable few that have taken the oath and sworn to do just that.

What are your personal and career goals?

Currently, I'm in the midst of studying for my test for promotion to staff sergeant. That is my most immediate goal. Past that, I intend to earn a bachelor's degree in the next two to three years. From there, I'm hoping to get an overseas assignment and see a bit more of the world during my time in service.

Is there any advice you'd like to give fellow Airmen?

The best advice I can think to give my fellow Airmen is to make sure to keep track of your own accomplishments. No one has a more significant role in your progression in the military than yourself. When it comes time for your EPR or you want your package submitted for an award, it will make the process infinitely easier for you if you have an up-to-date bullet list of everything you've done. On top of that, please heed my advice and make sure that you keep track of the dates for each of those accomplishments. You don't want to get stuck trying to track down the date of that impromptu briefing you gave several months ago when you find out last minute that you're being submitted for an award. Trust me.