The “In Focus” series is a monthly feature that puts the spotlight on some of the 419th Fighter Wing’s best and brightest Reserve Citizen Airmen. Find it on Instagram @419fw
Airman 1st Class Marissa Barela is a munitions system technician in the 419th Munitions Flight, currently on active orders for extended training, also known as seasoning training.
Barela has always looked up to her twin brother. So when he joined the Air Force, she did as well. While her brother went active duty, she joined the Air Force Reserve so she could stay at home in Utah.
“I played a lot of sports growing up and I love the team aspect of ammo,” Barela said. “The unit is very cohesive. We can joke around and still get the mission done accurately and efficiently.”
While on orders, she’s focused on growing within her career field to become technically proficient – the best Airman she can be.
“There are a lot of munitions that I have to work with, and I have to know everything about them,” she said. “I strive for perfection, because, in ammo, we have to provide safe and reliable munitions for our F-35s to accomplish the mission.”