GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Amber Wells, 17th Medical Support Squadron diagnostic imaging technician, is the newest 17th Training Wing Spotlight, a series highlighting Goodfellow Team members.
Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, 17th Training Wing photojournalist: What led you to join the Air Force?
Wells: My grandpa is a retired master sergeant and prompted me to enlist… he kept bugging me actually.
Why do you continue to serve?
I just love it. I love the military and don’t see myself doing anything else. I’m definitely in for 20 years.
What’s been the most impactful moment in your career so far?
I have to say working in the Air Force Honor Guard at Bolling Air Force Base. Being able to pay respects to fallen heroes and lay them to rest was an honor. Since I came in at 17, I didn’t realize how significant it was when I first got there, with me being so young.I started growing up and maturing that’s when I realized how much of an impact we had on the families.
How was it joining the Air Force at the age of 17?
It was rough… I was straight out of high school, so I had to do a lot of growing up by myself.
What do you want to accomplish during your time here at Goodfellow Air Force Base?
I am hoping to get my registry [radiological technician certification], I just retrained into x-ray, so I have about three years to finish my degree to be registered as a civilian.
How is the transition from honor guard to a medical career field?
Medical is a lot different. A lot of people in medical have a different mentality than honor guard, it seems more relaxed, so I’m still trying to get used to that.
Is there any advice or anything extra you would like to share?
Find a way to stay motivated, it’s what has always kept me going.