April Portrait of a Professional Published March 26, 2009 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs Office MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. -- A prior-service Security Forces NCO, Staff Sgt. Michael Tjaarda, 129th Security Forces Squadron, is the 129th Rescue Wing's Portrait of a Professional for April. Portrait of a Professional is a monthly profile of an outstanding Staff Sgt. and below. What is your favorite memory in the AF? After a 14-year break in service, re-enlisting was like coming home. What motivated you to enlist in the AF? I wanted to serve my country and see the world. How has being an Airman changed your outlook on life? I've seen places, met people and experienced things that most people never get the opportunity to see. What's the most important lesson you've learned in the military? Pride and honor--without that, you have nothing. If you could deploy anywhere in the world, where would it be? Afghanistan in some FOB out in the middle of nowhere. If you could choose any AF job, which would it be and why? Security Forces, one of the most diverse jobs in the AF. One day you're working the flight line, the next your on a convoy in the Middle East. Where did you grow up? San Jose, CA. What would people be surprised to know about you? I have over 3,200 skydives and 300 flight hours. What are your hobbies? Hunting, scuba diving, and shooting at the range.