August 2010 Portrait of a Professional

  • Published
MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. --  Portrait of a Professional is a monthly profile of an outstanding Staff Sgt. and below. Senior Airman Holly Durkin, a cyber surety apprentice with the 129th Communications Flight is featured as this month's Portrait of a Professional.

What is your favorite memory in the Air Force?
Believe it or not, I have good memories of basic training. I made some really close friends who I still keep in touch with.

What motivated you to enlist in the Air Force?
My whole family has been in the Air Force and I practically grew up on Air Force bases. I always knew it was something I wanted to do.

How has being an Airman changed your outlook on life?
When I hear news reports about what's going on overseas, I remember friends who might be in harm's way. We deploy often from this unit and I'm sure I will deploy soon. I've learned not to take our freedom for granted and I see firsthand how the US military secures the personal freedoms of those in the countries we deploy to.

What's the most important lesson you've learned in the military?
The most important lesson I've learned in the military is how to be a member of a team. The military taught me how to be a good wingman and teammate. With teamwork, my teammates and I are able to break tasks into manageable units and reach our goal with less stress on any one member. I also learned that everyone brings different perspectives and unique talents that contribute to the team's success. If you are not receptive to the ideas of other members of the team, you might miss an opportunity to learn different ways to solve problems.

If you could deploy anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Germany, because I speak a little bit of German.

If you could choose any Air Force job, which would it be? Why?
I would be a linguist. That's what both of my parents did and they loved it.

Where did you grow up?
Mostly in Southern California but I went to High School in a really small town up north called Weaverville. There are only 3,500 people in the town and no stoplights in the whole county.

What is your job in the civilian world?
I work full time in the Communications Flight.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I love the outdoors. I always go backpacking, rafting, and hiking whenever I have the chance.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy dancing, reading, sleeping in, and swimming.