Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -- Pfc. Elliott L. Vickers
Job Title: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting specialist
Unit: Marine Wing Support Squadron 272
Age: 19
Hometown: Thomasville, N.C.
DATE JOINED: JAN. 14, 2013
Pfc. Elliott L. Vickers joined the Marine Corps January 14, 2013, leading to his role as an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272.
“My job is important to me because if pilots go down, they rely on us to save them,” said Vickers. “That gives me proof I’m giving back.”
A normal day for him consists of checking vehicles, studying knowledge, and conducting drills to build his ability to operate the P-19 fire fighting truck and other tools of the trade, he said.
“Learning all of the different knowledge is the most challenging part,” said Vickers. “We need to know how to operate our own equipment along with the differences between all the aircraft on the station.”
Knowledge is the key to advancing within his military occupational specialty, he said.
"I'm really focusing on how I can improve myself right now," said the Thomasville, N.C., native. "Getting a chance to get to know everyone is the best part - being a part of the world's greatest fraternal brotherhood."