IN FOCUS: Senior Airman Byron Mortensen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brandon Craig
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH --  Public Affairs recently sat down with Senior Airman Byron Mortensen, of the logistics readiness squadron, as part of its In Focus series, which shines a spotlight on the wing's outstanding Citizen Airmen. 

Q: What are your job responsibilities? 
A: I'm a material management apprentice working on upgrade training to my five-level. I'm learning all about my job right now. I'm involved with inventory, shipping, receiving, document control, and stock control. Basically, any time someone needs a part, they call us and we do what we can to get it to them. 

Q: Who is the most influential person in your life, and why? 
A: It was probably my grandpa. He was a well-liked, respectable man. He worked hard. He was an old farmer so he and my dad taught me how to work when I was young. I grew up living and working on a farm. I get most of my work ethic from my grandfather. 

Q: What do you do for recreation? 
A: I like to hunt, fish, and ride horses with my family. I try to enjoy life. It's a good relaxer to go home on weekends, get on the horses and go for a ride. 

Q: When did you first join the military? 
A: It was a while ago, January of '87, in fact. I was an aerospace ground equipment mechanic, stationed here at Hill Air Force Base. I worked in the 421st Fighter Squadron. I spent just under four years active duty. I always wished I could get back in but I just never had an opportune time until this last year. 

Q: Why did you join the Air Force Reserve? 
A: I was a prior service guy. I always wanted to come back and finish my time. It's an honor to serve my country. I just wanted to serve more than anything. This is a great organization to be involved in. There are a lot of opportunities and benefits that the military provides for us and our families. If you do your part, then they take care of you. 

Q: Where do you call home? 
A: I live in Chubbuck, Idaho. It's up in the Pocatello area. 

Q: Are you an early bird or night owl? 
A: I am an early bird. I love the morning hours; it's quieter, it's peaceful. There's just something about the morning. 

Q: What would you do with three wishes? 
A: The first one would be to have good health for my family and myself. The second would to be able to maintain a positive attitude toward things, to not let things get you down. For the third, I'd want my family to be happy. I'm not a real material kind of guy, so I wouldn't wish for all the money in the world or that kind of stuff.