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Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class Samuel Ortiz

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Editor's note: The Warrior of the Week Program is a program designed to honor Shaw's service members who exemplify the Core Values.

This week's Warrior of the Week is Airman 1st Class Samuel Ortiz, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron armament flight technician, from Puerto Rico.

His job is to help maintain the guns on the F-16.

"Ortiz's work ethic and dedication to self improvement exemplify the qualities that make great Airmen," said Master Sgt. Joe McKnight, 20th EMS armament flight chief. "He sets an example for his peers to follow that is above and beyond what we can teach them just through words. He is an invaluable asset to the Air Force."

He has helped clear up a work backlog and repaired 18 assets that made for a 99 percent alternate mission equipment in-commission rate, added McKnight. That made for a five year best.

Ortiz was also a representative of the 20th Fighter Wing during a Romanian delegation visit and helped set a positive first impression, said McKnight.

During his off-duty time, Ortiz has volunteered to help clean up at Lake Wateree, serve as a base chapel workshop team director and serve on Airmen Against Drunk Driving.


Family: Wife, Gabriella

Hobbies: Music, plays on a worship band at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Music: Reggae and Latin

Movies: The Count of Monte Cristo

Guilty Pleasure: Call of Duty

Sports team: New York Mets

Goal: Complete bachelor's in computer engineering and receive a commission

Biggest Accomplishment: Being in the Air Force and being able to provide for his family

Hero: "My father, even when he had his way, you knew he was always looking out for our best."

If you could spend one hour with anyone, who would it be and why? "Jesus, to find out how he set the example."

Favorite Food: Arroz con gandules y lechon

If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you have? Knife, volleyball and iPhone