Global Roots, Military Service: The Unique Path of Staff Sgt. Giacomo Samms

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Hannah Stubblefield
  • 31st Fighter Wing

The difficulties we face, the families we have, the places we live and even our upbringings shape each of us in a unique way. For U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Giacomo Samms, it led him to where he is now.

Samms always knew he wanted to join the military. The decision was not just about which branch to join but also which country he should serve for.

“Before I was an American Airman, I was thinking about joining the Italian army or the French Foreign Legion,” said Samms.

These options were available to Samms because he grew up all over the world. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and lived in Arizona, Italy, Slovenia and India. His mom, originally from Bologna, Italy, was an interpreter and moved often because of her job. She could speak eight different languages, this inspired Samms to learn multiple as well.

“I can speak English, Italian, Hindi, Slovenian and Pashto,” said Samms. “Being able to speak Italian has helped me translate purchasing support items and equipment from the local community. My language skills have also helped during deployments and Operation Allied Refuge, where I assisted as an interpreter.”

Samms work ethic and motivation to grow professionally and personally derives from his mom. She was a single mother, balancing work and raising a kid all by herself and he admires the job she did with the chaos life constantly brings.

“My mom battled cancer when I was two years old and she continued to work and take care of me.” said Samms. “She is tough, and I try to be like her every day.”

Samms works at the 31st Force Support Squadron dining facility as the storeroom noncommissioned officer in charge. He is responsible for the inventory, purchasing and inspecting all ingredients the DFAC uses.

“Sgt Samms will either come in early or stay late to ensure the mission is getting taken care of,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hangie De Los Santos, 31st Force Support Squadron dining facility manager. “Anytime a shift is low manned, Sgt Samms is the first to volunteer.”

The DFAC is in charge of making sure every Airmen on an installation has access to 3 meals a day. They have specialized cooks and menus to make sure the food they are serving is fresh and full of options. Junior enlisted Airmen are the primary users of dining facilities, especially those who live in on-base dormitories.

“The DFAC is important because we must ensure our Airmen are fed,” said Samms. “Food is fuel, and a military marches on its stomach.”