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Fairchild's Finest Staff Sgt. Nida Garunkstis

  • Published
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  

Name: Staff Sgt Nida Garunkstis

Unit: 336 Training Support Squadron

Duty Title: NCO in charge, SERE Medical Admin

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild AFB? I medically in-process all of the SERE students going through training (approx. 10,000 a year). I also maintain all of the computer assets for the SERE clinic and the computers in our other training locations.

What do you enjoy about your job? I work with a very elite group of medical professionals that make my job easy. I like meeting new people, making great connections at different parts of the country and have a great networking group.

Why did you choose to serve in the military? I felt like I was in a rut just going through school and not 100 percent sure of what I wanted to do with my life. I thought joining the military would give me a chance to see the world while finishing school and deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up.

What is your greatest accomplishment? Working full time while getting my bachelor's degree and raising my daughter, all as a single parent.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild Air Force Base? Graduate with honors for my Masters Degree by the end of this year.

What is your favorite quote? "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go." - Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her? SMSgt Billie Williams was one of my supervisors when I was stationed at Hickam AFB. She taught me the importance of family and that no matter how far away you are from them, or how little of a chance you get to talk to them, that true family will always be there through thick and thin. She taught me to keep going and do the best I could in anything in life, no matter what was going on; it is better to know I did my best than not trying at all.
If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why? I would like to spend an hour with my grandfather and grandmother who passed away just so I can let them know how I am doing and to show them they have a great-granddaughter. I would like to get their advice on some things that I would like to do in the future.