Airman 1st Class Robert Kafka, 460th SCS

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Airman 1st Class Robert Leon Kafka III, a network management technician with the 460th Space Communications Squadron, is the Warrior of the Week for July 25 - 31.

Airman Kafka, from Iron Mountain, Mich., home of the Chapin Mine Pumping Engine, the world's largest steam engine, has served in the Air Force for one year and seven months. He enjoys snowboarding, chasing his three kids, playing drums, guitar, bass guitar and paint ball.

Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Hoag, 460th SCS first sergeant, says Airman Kafka has been in the Network Management work center for only three weeks and has already spearheaded the complete overhaul of the classified network backbone. This new backbone not only ensures Buckley's compliance with an Air Force Space Command mandate, but it also increases the network's core speed by 1,000 percent. 

"This was a major upgrade to one of our most important Buckley weapon systems," the first sergeant stated.

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
I configure, maintain and control the entire Buckley network, which supports the flow of critical data for the day-to-day operations of the base and total global vigilance.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I would like to see less of the Air Force's mission contracted out.

Why do you serve?
Because I know that my job is more just than an opportunity to earn a paycheck.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Performing duties as a member of the Mile High Honor Guard.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from college.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
I would be living in the upper peninsula of Michigan, because my wife's family and my family live there.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What would you be doing?
I would like to be a commissioned officer in the Air Force.

Military accomplishments:
Basic Military Training honor graduate
Technical school Top Graduate and Distinguished Graduate 
Ninety-five percent average, Career Development Course
Squadron chief's selectee for position in elite Network Management Office, 460th SCS