Staff Sgt. Sean Andreas Collins, 460th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Published June 23, 2008
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- Staff Sgt. Sean Collins, an air transportation specialist from the 460th Logistics Readiness Squadron is the Warrior of the Week for June 27 - July 3.

Time in Service: Five years and two months.

Hometown: Fairfield, Calif., with a population of 102,762 it is the largest of the 13 cities in the U.S. with the name Fairfield.

Hobbies: Playing basketball and video games.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
Master Sgt. Curtis Sergeant, Sgt. Collins' supervisor, says he has epitomized the warrior attitude in his day-to-day performance of duties and his volunteering in the community. His expertise in the air transportation arena has been key to the successful mission accomplishment of the 460th LRS supporting two tenant unit deployments this month. He flawlessly load-planned a commercial 737 aircraft carrying more than 100 Marines and equipment deploying for a training exercise in California. He also planned a C-17 carrying more than 20 Soldiers, numerous helicopters and support equipment for a local training exercise.

His involvement in the community as a volunteer at the Denver International Airport United Services Organization center exhibits his commitment to the Wingman principal and the Airman's Creed.

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
In addition to my air transportation duties, as a Unit Deployment Manager, I ensure all deployment requirements are met for tasked members. I obtain all required equipment specified in tasking orders prior to the member moving into the area of responsibility. I'm also certified in hazardous cargo preparation, one of three certified members in the 460th Space Wing. My attention to detail ensured all hazardous shipments met strict criteria for air shipment. I also volunteered for third country national duty outside of my normal Aerospace Expeditionary Force rotation.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
The one thing I would change is the UDM program. A smaller unit, such as LRS, can function with a military member's extra duty being the UDM. Larger units would benefit from a Civilian as a primary UDM. This duty is extremely time consuming and somewhat complex and it seems to me civilian continuity would greatly enhance this important duty.

Why do you serve?
I joined the military to get my life started in the right direction. I felt that joining the Air Force would get me focused. The Air Force now has me focused, motivated, dedicated and ready to defend my country at a moment's notice!

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Moving more than 750 passengers and more than 15 aircraft to Thailand for the Asian Tsunami humanitarian relief. It was the most demanding experience I've ever had, but the most rewarding work I've ever done.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
My most memorable personal accomplishment was receiving a Letter of Appreciation from the chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for organizing the movement of more than 18 short tons of FEMA cargo.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
If I were not in the military, I would probably be a California correctional officer.
My older brother is a correctional officer and he would have talked me into becoming one.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What would you be doing?
In ten years I would like to be a first sergeant working my way to chief master sergeant.

Military accomplishments:
Air Force Achievement Medal

460th LRS staff sergeant is Warrior of the Week