Airman Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Darick Alexander

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  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

Name: Staff Sgt. Darick Alexander

Unit: 51st Fighter Wing

Job title: NCO in charge of Chapel logistics

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: As a Chaplain's assistant, our job is to ensure that the spiritual welfare of Osan Airmen is at its healthiest point. Spiritual fitness is our overall goal. Spirituality doesn't always have to be taken from a religious aspect; it can also refer to the mental well-being of an individual, although most of us correlate it to religion. I personally relate it to faith. As a Chaplain's assistant, we work alongside Chaplains as religious support team members, with the Chaplains leading the team.

Time in the military: 10 years

Time at Osan: Three months

DEROS: May 2014

Family: I have three daughters ages 7, 6 and 4

Hometown: Grand Forks, N.D.

Hobbies: I like to work out, play video games, listen to music, and watch movies

Why did you join the military? My original plan was to become a firefighter for six years and use the experience to get a civilian job.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? I see myself being a MAJCOM functional Chaplain's assistant.

What do you do for fun here? Here I like to spend time with my girlfriend, go to the movies, professional soccer games, hang out at Sokcho beach, and eating Korean food.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? When I was stationed in Afghanistan, a part of the Chaplain's ministry was to pray over helicopters when the PJ's launched for a rescue. Usually the mechanics, crew chief, and ammunition troops all ran out to watch the launch too. This one particular time, a call came in and a maintenance officer and I were only people who ran outside. As the crew chief cleared the helicopter I said a prayer and watch it ascend to the rescue. When it returned, the crew began inspecting everywhere: the propeller, the tail, windshield, etc. Apparently while on the rescue, a rocket propelled grenade blew up next to them. Everyone looked everywhere and not a scratch on the helicopter.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I'm most proud of receiving an AETC Small Chapel Award.

Who are your role models? My mentor is a fellow religious support team (RST) partner at the USAF Academy, Chaplain James Armstrong. He taught me about time management and the power of what can be done with it.