ROBERT STRICK | 37

Southwest System Support Center Frontline Manager

Federal Aviation Administration

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

– Teddy Roosevelt

Hometown: McGrath

Current City: Wasilla

Education: Bachelor’s degree in homeland security and emergency management; Private pilot’s license; Federal Aviation Administration Technical Operations Leadership Development Program Graduate; Federal Aviation Administration Program for Emerging Leaders Graduate

Community Work: Youth hockey coach; Iron Dog volunteer; Last Frontier Honor Flight Guardian; McGrath Volunteer Fire Department

Family: Grandparents, Richard and Sharon Strick, and Robert and Lucille Magnuson; parents, Melody and Steffen Strick; children, Alice, Forest, Helen and Richard; "Pops" to Serenity and Landon; wife, Noel; numerous other family and friends.

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: Every place I have been in Alaska has its own unique beauty. The amazing variety of landscapes and scenery across our state continues to impress me. I have traveled throughout Alaska for work and pleasure. Visiting my wife's home in the Aleutians, fishing in Prince William Sound, traveling to Kotzebue, Juneau, Fairbanks, and numerous small villages throughout the Interior, and hunting back home in McGrath all have something to offer. My favorite place in Alaska would have to be wherever I am on any given day. Name the person you respect and why: I have grandparents, parents, my wife, children, family and friends whom I all have respect for. They all have had qualities or abilities that have helped me become who I am today; I didn't get here alone.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: Hunting, fishing and anything outdoors.

What was your first job?: I started working at a young age for uncles and grandparents in mining and construction. I worked various jobs outside of high school, including a fuel truck driver, construction work and baggage handler at airlines. What has been your most rewarding community service?: Coaching youth hockey, because of the positive interactions with youth, building a team through a season and watching athletes grow as a team and individuals, on and off the ice.

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: Being able to serve my hometown of McGrath and surrounding villages through my employment with the Federal Aviation Administration. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: I think work-life balance is an oxymoron. There will be times when work will demand more of your time and when your life will require more of your time. It will never be 50-50. Do your best and put your family first; the work will be there when you get back, or they will find someone else to do it.