MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Marines across the Corps find themselves in various units and job assignments throughout their career. Sgt. Erica Bloomingdale is no stranger to stepping up to the challenge of filling multiple roles at once.
"I am originally a loadmaster for the KC-130J Hercules," said Bloomingdale, who currently works as a loadmaster for one of two Marine Corps C-9B Skytrains with Marine Transport Squadron 1. "My job includes the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo, rapid ground refueling, aerial refueling, air drops of cargo and personnel and battlefield illumination."
Bloomingdale, a Plymouth, Ohio native, enlisted in the Marine Corps September 2005 and has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and in support of the Special Marine Air Ground Task Force in Sigonella, Italy.
"I chose the job because it looked like something that would fit my personality," said Bloomingdale. "I really enjoy challenges and I felt this job would present that too me."
Aside from her normal duties and between flight hours, Bloomingdale schedules all the annual training for the Marines of VMR-1 as part of her duties as the ground-training noncommissioned officer for the squadron.
However, her true passion is being in the air.
"What I like most about my job is flying," she said.
Bloomingdale says she is looking forward to continuing her career in the Marine Corps.
"Something I'm looking forward to in my career is just being a Marine tomorrow," said Bloomingdale. "I'm definitely looking forward to advancing in rank, but I really enjoy being a sergeant, I enjoy being a Marine today."