Hickam Warrior of Week Published Nov. 2, 2008 By Dr. Philip Breeze 15th Airlift Wing Chief of Public Affairs HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Not all rodeo stars are cowboys. In fact, one Team Hickam rodeo star never saddled a horse or roped a steer. Warrior of the Week Staff Sgt. Bruce Nicaise earned his spurs designing training scenarios for his fellow 15th Services Squadron Airmen that helped them earn an "Excellent" in the ATSO Rodeo portion of the most recent Unit Compliance Inspection/Emergency Readiness Exercise. Of course, the faith and trust of his superiors, and the willingness to follow among his colleagues may be a result of the experience he has gained from his three deployments and the attitude with which he undertakes them. "Deploying is my favorite part of being in the Air Force. Sitting here in the rear we sometimes forget the mission. It's good to get out there and support the war fighters," he said. The 1999 Atlanta Junior/Senior High School graduate credits the Air Force with opening his eyes to the important things in life. In fact, the Air Force introduced him to a lot of the not-so-important things in life, too. He graduated from high school not in the Big Peach - Atlanta, Ga., but in Atlanta, Mich. "The closest McDonalds when I was in high school was 36 miles away. After high school I spent a year working in a car parts factory in Sterling Heights and a friend - and I didn't know what a good friend he was at the time - told me I had to get out or stay stuck ... just settle into the job I'd have for the rest of my career," the staff sergeant said. "The only regret I have about joining the Air Force is that I didn't do it sooner. I have been fortunate. The NCOs at my first duty station, Master Sgt. Underhill, Master Sgt Rollins, Tech. Sgt. Lattimer and Tech. Sgt Irons, took me under their wing and taught me to take ownership and pride in whatever I do. That was the foundation of my carrer." It appears to be a pretty solid foundation. "Staff Sgt. Nicaise is one of our sharpest Airmen. He exudes confidence and is well respected by his peers and superiors among whom he is known at the Services expert," said Major Timothy M. Telega, Commander of the 15th Services Squaron. "Supporting the mission, in garrison and down range, has always been his focus."