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Fairchild's Finest: Senior Airman Maritza Smith

Senior Airman Maritza Smith, a 92nd Air Refueling Wing Command Post emergency action controller, stands outside of her building Jan. 7, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Smith runs checklists and answers phones to assist leaders with information to execute the base mission. Smith’s leadership selected her as a member of Team Fairchild’s elite, Fairchild’s Finest. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Fairchild's Finest: Senior Airman Maritza Smith

Published Jan. 8, 2015
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Rank /Name: Senior Airman Maritza Smith

Unit of assignment: 92nd Air Refueling Wing Command Post

Nominee's duty title: Emergency Action Controller

Home town and state: San Diego, California

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild AFB?
Answer phones and run checklists, which is kind of like being a commander's secretary, base operator, dispatch and a multi-tasking superhero, all-in-one.

What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy having the big picture of the mission, like knowing what's going on before others do and assisting them with information. Plus, I like the people I work with.

Why did you choose to serve in the military?
Since I was little, I always wanted to join the military. My father was in the Naval Reserve and I thought it was the greatest thing. I grew up watching war movies, and having friends that were Marines, I yearned for that camaraderie. When the economy fell, I decided to join. I wanted better opportunities for my family; the benefits, the financial stability and education were all the things that made me decide it was time to follow a dream.

Family:
I have three boys, ages 9, 7, and a 5 month old. If you include my husband, I have four. Don't tell him though.

Time in military:
January 5, 2015 made it 5 years. Wow, I can't believe it myself. One more year and I have to make that decision to either stay in or get out.

Hobbies:
Flowers, whether it is arrangements or growing them I love them all, especially orchids.

Favorite movies:
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Kung Fu Panda 2, Black Swan, Interview with a Vampire, and many more.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why?
Former president George W. Bush, I believe he was a good president. I would love to ask him about 9/11 and his views on life.