Airman steps up his role in protecting information

Photo By Staff Sgt. Breanna Diaz | Senior Airman Cody Martin, 90th Communications Squadron cybersecurity technician, sits at his desk at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., August 16, 2016. The squadron manages the base computer network and email accounts.  

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WY, UNITED STATES

08.16.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Breanna Diaz 

90th Missile Wing

Airmen use computers and other electronic devices on a daily basis to communicate and accomplish their duties. From checking emails to monitoring patient records, Airmen need to stay connected to accomplish the mission.
It can be easy to fall into a routine and completely overlook the battle that goes on behind the screen. Senior Airman Cody Martin, 90th Communications Squadron cybersecurity technician, uses his training and cyber skills to fight off threats to cybersecurity every day.
Cybersecurity responsibilities
Cybersecurity technicians across the Air Force are responsible for preventing cyber attacks and maintaining network security 24/7. The 90th CS provides support for all communications throughout the base and missile field.
“We’re all about protecting the network and making sure what we need to stay secret is protected,” Martin said. “Whether it’s personally identifiable information or the Health Information Privacy Protection Act, it’s rewarding to keep that information safe.”
Martin said he takes tremendous pride in his work and is motivated by his peers and his love for the job.
“It’s nice to be able to come and work in a place every day knowing that in some way or another, you are directly affecting the citizens of the nation and having a positive impact,” Martin said.
One of his career goals is to cross train into network operations warfare in the future, to defend national interests from attack, he said.
“I don’t want to close any doors,” Martin said. “I’m trying to leave as many open as I can so wherever life takes me, I’ll run with it.”
A true leader
In addition to keeping information safe, Martin has stepped up to a supervisory role in his shop. Since he’s had great mentorship that helped hone his own skills, it’s a position he doesn’t take lightly, he said.
“I really believe in the trickle-down effect,” Martin said. “I was fortunate enough to have a great supervisor, and I have three Airmen that I hope to do the same for.”
Martin’s leadership certainly noticed his effort. Master Sgt. Timothy Rivera, 90th CS first sergeant, said Martin has gone above and beyond expectations.
“He was kind of a quiet Airman, but he hit the ground running,” Rivera said. “We lost a lot of NCOs and he stepped up as a mentor for his peers.”
During his four years of service, the farm boy from Paducah, Kentucky said he understands that a job in the Air Force is more than a job, it’s being an Airman above all else.
“Whether it’s security forces doing patrol or the LRS guys fixing the convoys, at the end of the day, we’re all Airmen,” Martin said. “It’s important not to lose sight of the overall mission.”

• Date Taken: 08.16.2016
• Date Posted: 08.19.2016 19:27
• Story ID: 207751
• Location: F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WY, US