GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 1. How does your job support the 17th Training Wing's mission?
As a contract specialist, I support the base in its entirety. I ensure units are able to maximize their budgets by procuring needed services, supplies, and construction to facilitate every organization’s mission to train the future force.
2. What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I find being able to work with so many different squadrons to be enjoyable. You get to learn more about their mission and job through their requirements and interactions and get a bigger picture of what the Air Force does as a whole.
3. What has been your biggest challenge in the military, and how did you overcome that challenge?
I would say I have been the biggest challenge in my career. Initially I was resistant to what the Air Force asks of us and I only overcame this with time. I have matured since I first joined, found the right mentors, and have a better understanding of the why the Air Force asks what they ask of us.
4. What has been your most memorable experience in the military?
My most memorable moment has been receiving a coin while deployed; it was memorable to me because the coin was from the officer’s home station.
5. What is one way that you accelerated change?
Being in contracting, our contracting authority publishes many changes for our career field that I help enforce to better our buying power.
6. What is one way that you have thrived?
I have been able to thrive by having good mentors to let me know when I am messing up and guide me.
7. What is one piece of information or advice you would like to pass on?
Finding a good mentor is very important but you are also able to learn just as much if not more by learning from mistakes, so don’t be afraid to fail.