Wingman of the Week Published March 2, 2009 By Emily Farrington-Smith 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Job description: I am a Combat Weather Forecaster supporting the 82nd Airborne Division. Date entered military: Dec. 5, 1991 Reason entered military: I just knew I wanted to. I am glad that I did. Who has been the most influential person in your career? My wife, Retta, because she has supported everything I have accomplished in my career. Short-term goals: To be an outstanding Noncommissioned Office in Charge on my upcoming deployment. Long-term goals: To get back into college classes and to grow to be an outstanding Senior NCO What do you think is the best thing about Pope, and why? The people here make it the best base. They are upbeat and take care of business. If you could change one thing about Pope, what would it be, and why? I would change the timing of the crosswalk by the bowling center. Sometimes it runs too long and you are not allowed to make left hand turns, even when nobody is around.