McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, W.Va. –
October’s Charlie West Spotlight is Senior Airman Zachary Cook, a Services Journeyman with the 130th Force Support Squadron.
Cook joined the unit in 2014, one year after graduating from Riverside High School.
“I joined the 130th to become a part of something bigger,” explained Cook. “As well as getting to serve my state and the greatest country in the world.”
Working in services, Cook is responsible for many areas associated keeping the 130th running smooth and mission ready. Some of these tasks include but are not limited to: preparing and serving meals to Airmen during drill, assisting and managing physical fitness tests, buying and managing equipment and supplies and more.
In the full-time sector, he serves as a Command Support Staff Technician for the 130th FSS. In this role, he serves many functions as well such as updating awards and decorations, assisting with administrative roles and more.
His military goals are both short term and long term; for now, it is to attend Airman Leadership School and be promoted to Staff Sgt. and to eventually reach the coveted ranks of Chief Master Sgt.
Cook’s most memorable moment at the 130th was when a Chief Master Sgt. from the unit retired and presented him with a coin for his hard work and dedication in assisting him, as well as receiving a letter of appreciation from the Chief.
When he’s not working at the 130th, Cook enjoys working out, fishing, helping out coaching wrestling and spending time with his family. As far as his family goes, Cook cites that the thing he is most proud of is his wife for giving him such a handsome son, and the day he was born is a day he will never forget.
“November 27, 2017 was hands down the best day of my life,” Cook said. “That was the day my son was born.”
Incorporating his military goals with his life goals, Cook aspires to become a permanent addition to the unit as a full-timer, which he says will grant him the ability to give his son and wife the best life they deserve.
When asked about what he likes best about the 130th, he was short and sweet with his response.
“Everyone here treats each other like family and are constantly looking out for each other, I will always call the 130th my home away from home,” Cook explained.