IN FOCUS: Master Sgt. Rico Santa Maria

  • Published
  • By Bryan Magaña
  • Contributor, 624th Regional Support Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  As one of two full-time reservists in the 624th Civil Engineer Squadron, Master Sgt. Rico Santa Maria, management assistant, helps keep the unit running between UTAs. The sergeant served on active duty for four years and went straight into the Air Force Reserve in 1997. Santa Maria recently took time to talk with me about himself and his career.

Tell me about your job.

Day to day we support traditional reservists and prepare them to deploy. We track their training, their schooling--things on both the administrative and budget sides. My head is like a human database.

Why did you join the Air Force Reserve?

When I was out-processing for active duty, a recruiter told me, "Why not join the Air Force Reserve?" I didn't have any other jobs lined up, and I got to keep the privileges of the commissary and the naval exchange. It's expensive living in Hawaii, so that was a great benefit.

If you could be stationed anywhere in the world, what would you choose?

Even though I haven't been there, I'd say Ramstein in Germany. Or anywhere in Europe, outside of the UK, where I could travel.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

When I was a boy, I would ride my bike down to the beach, walk around in the coral and catch fish with my friends.

List your three most listened-to albums.

The Police's Greatest Hits, Journey's Escape, Bob Marley's Greatest Hits.