139th News

Spotlight on Airmen: Air Traffic Controller

  • Published

Name: Airman 1st Class Alex Warden

Military job: Air Traffic Controller

Why did you join the Air National Guard?

My grandpa served in the 139th Airlift Wing and my uncle works here. There were so many benefits to joining. It helped pay for college and made it easier for my family financially.
I've taken one semester at Missouri Western and plan to enroll again once my on-the-job training here is done.

What do you like best about your job?

You're always on the edge of your seat. There's never a dull day and no day is the same. There are so many variables from the wind, altimeter reading, and the type of aircraft. Today we had a Chinook helicopter fly by and a few days ago a flight of A-10 Warthogs. We also had an F-18 fighter jet over drill weekend. And of course we see the C-130 Hercules every day.

This job has also given me a skill set that is applicable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Many of the guys in our unit also work in the FAA.

This has definitely been one of the best decisions I've made.