Fairchild Deployed: Senior Airman Cody Verbanac

Published July 2, 2012
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Every week, a member of the 376th Expeditionary Wing is selected as the Warrior of the Week. This individual is recognized based on outstanding performance, good conduct, work ethic and most importantly, for a job well done.

Meet the Warrior of the Week -- Senior Airman Cody Verbanac is a 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron fuels system journeyman for the Transit Center at Manas deployed from the 92nd Maintenance Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. and a native of Oconomowoc, Wis.

Here's what Verbanac has to say about himself and his deployment.

What do you do on a daily basis at the Transit Center? I troubleshoot and repair the fuel systems on the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. I also assist the aircraft rigging, sheet metal, and metals technology sections with daily tasks as part of the mission here.

What do you enjoy about being at the Transit Center? I have enjoyed learning about the Kyrgyz culture and the different Airmen I meet from around the Air Force.

Why did you choose to serve in the military? I choose to join the military to serve my country and to travel.

How do you feel about your contributions to the Transit Center mission and current operations in the area of responsibility? I feel my contributions help save lives and ensure airlift operations continue.

Family: My wife, Leenah, and my three sons, Kaizen, Zachary and Alexander.

Time at the Transit Center: 47 days.

Time in military: 3 yrs 9 months.

Greatest accomplishment: Finding the "Golden Bolt" during a Foreign Object Debris walk on the flight line, I found it twice within one a week.

Editor's Note* A FOD walk is conducted on airfields to protect aircraft from being damaged by debris left on the ground.

Goals you want to achieve or meet while at the Transit Center: To complete some College level Examination Programs and learn to speak Russian.

Hobbies: Video games, paintball and shooting guns.

Your best habit: Not smoking

Favorite quote: "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable," John F. Kennedy

Favorite movies: Taken, Mortal Combat, anything with Steven Seagal.

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her: Staff Sgt. Christopher Frerichs, he taught me how to become a journeyman in the fuels systems career field.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why: My grandfather, because he is no longer with us and I would love to ask him questions.