Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, March 5, 2021

2 March 5, 2021 Commentary Desert lightning news s. nevaDa Desert lightning news s. nevaDa news March 5, 2021 3
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To hell with ‘it’ 99th ABW 432nd Wing announces

by Master Sgt. Jenniffer Teets became my lone release for the pain and 2020 annual award winners
Dover AFB, Del. frustrations that engulfed me. announces
But it wasn’t enough and I still felt
Have you had a life altering moment? empty and sought to fill the void. I didn’t During a recently ceremony, First Sergeant of the Year — Field Grade Officer of the Year
Not like dodging a car accident that made know how, but I knew I needed to change the 432nd Wing, 432nd Air Expe- Master Sgt. Justin, 732nd Opera- — Maj. Brent, 25th Attack Group,
your heart skip a few beats. the course I was on or “it” was going to ditionary Wing announced their tions Group, 15th Attack Squad- 89th Attack Squadron
I’m talking about a moment where the redefine who I was in all areas of my life. 2021 MVPs annual award winners. ron Flight Commander of the Year
fundamentals of who you are become During my last assignment, the Air- “Congrats to all our 432nd Wing Key Spouse of the Year — Mar- — Capt. Nicholas, 732nd Opera-
questioned. The type when you look in men’s personal struggles in and out of 2020 Annual Award Nominees,” cela, 432nd Operations Group, tions Group, 867th Attack Squad-
the mirror and the reflection you see is work seemed to have a price; more often The 99th Air Base Wing recognized civilian, said base leadership in a Facebook 489th Attack Squadron ron
not yours. If you have, I want you to than not, things would trigger specific enlisted and commissioned Airmen as their “2020 post. “We hosted a spectacular Flight Chief of the Year — Tech Officer Formal Training Unit
think back to that specific moment in emotions or flashbacks to my earlier MVPS” during the annual awards ceremony Feb. afternoon recognizing Hunters for Sgt. Jared, 25th Attack Group, Instructor of the Year — Capt.
time when you decided not to let “it” situation. 26, 2021. the crucial work they have done 89th Attack Squadron Berigan, 432nd Operations Group,
define you. I found myself in a vicious cycle of The 2020 winners are: this year, and had the opportunity Enlisted Formal Training Unit 44th Reconnaissance Squadron
This very sentence reminds me of a work, family, day-to-day grind and Airman: Senior Airman Breanne Bailey to recognize many of them with Instructor of the Year — Staff Officer Flying Instructor of the
revealing quote by Simon Sinek, “Most drinking myself to sleep hoping to avoid NCO: Tech. Sgt. Chelsey Barnes some well-earned hardware to Sgt. Matthew, 432nd Operations Year — Capt. Dolan, 432nd Opera-
of us live our lives by accident — we live the nightmares. With lots of reflection, Senior NCO: Senior Master Sgt. Alonso Blackman Jr. display in their workspaces. Thank Group, 11th Attack Squadron tions Group, 30th Reconnaissance
as it happens. Fulfillment comes when I realized I longed to feel the joy I once Company Grade Officer: Capt. Nathan Spradley you for Holding the Line!” Enlisted Flying Instructor of Squadron
we live our lives on purpose.” sensed: mentoring and helping people. Field Grade Officer: Maj. Robert Shuler The award winners are: the Year — Tech. Sgt. Travis, Weapons Officer Instructor of
Prior to 2016, I spent most of my vol- Additionally, I came to realize my First Sergeant: Senior Master Sgt. Quentin Davis Airman of the Year — Senior 732nd Operations Group, 732nd the Year — Capt. Dennis, 25th At-
unteer time with activities or organiza- dark poems were keeping me in a rota- Courtesy photograph Civilian Category 1: Christina McKeen Airman China, 432nd Mission Operations Support Squadron tack Group, 20th Attack Squadron
tions concentrated toward teaching and tion of destructive emotions. Intention- Master Sgt. Jenniffer Teets, 436th Comptroller Squadron, carries the Air Force flag while Civilian Category 2: Angela Sisneros Support Group, 432nd Security Junior Company Grade Officer Civilian, Category 1 of the Year
leading Airmen in any venue I could ally, I began spending more of my time on horseback during a rodeo competition. Civilian Category 3: Dr. James Honeycutt Forces Squadron of the Year — 1st Lt. Chase, 432nd — Melissa, 25th Attack Group,
reach. leading outside the uniform. Knowing Honor Guard Airman: Senior Airman Anasacia NCO of the Year — Tech. Sgt. Operations Group, 30th Recon- 482nd Attack Squadron
That all changed when someone I something had to change, I accepted the shattered pieces of me that remained. versus my trauma. It has empowered me Argueta Hannah, 432nd Operations Group, naissance Squadron Civilian, Category 2 of the Year
trusted and thought had pure intentions role as an event director for the Profes- One example was while representing to write a success story for those who Volunteer (Teen): Laylia Walker 30th Reconnaissance Squadron Junior Company Grade Officer — Megan, 432nd Mission Support
reminded me how horrid and selfish sional Armed Forces Rodeo Association. PAFRA, we spent an afternoon with hos- could use a lending hand. Serving others Volunteer (Adult): Sandy Valdezate Senior NCO of the Year — Mas- of the Year — Capt. Patrick, 25th Group, 432nd Support Squadron
some people fundamentally are. A series Additionally, I accepted the only pital-bound oncology patients during the motivates me and preoccupies me from Key Spouse: Carissa Jones ter Sgt. Sarah, 432nd Wing Staff Attack Group, 25th Operations Civilian Category 3 of the Year
of events unfolded and I eventually found enlisted leadership role appointed to a finals of the world championship rodeo. dwelling on various aspects of my past. Agency Support Squadron — Felicia, 432nd Wing Staff Agency
myself confronted with having to make military member on behalf of Cheyenne Seeing those kids muster the courage This is not meant to downgrade any-
extreme decisions. Frontier Days. Both organizations tied to meet our rodeo horses in the park- one’s life trials. Drinking my trauma
The influencers of my life at that time directly into our family’s passion for ing lot was indescribable. It absorbed away wasn’t the answer for me, nor was it
assured me the court proceedings would horses and rodeo. Working with people several hours of our day, but it created productive in the healing process. I sadly Nellis hosts virtual COVID-19 Town Hall
not bring value to my healing process; I outside of the military was that change memories for children and families who did not wake up with that revelation. It
followed their advice. of scenery that I needed to redirect my had been limited to living in the oncol- took time and realizing that I needed to
Unfortunately, I opted not to take focus away from “it.” ogy ward. find something more. by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus
part in the legal process until the formal These acts of being a servant leader It gave them a moment to be engaged, To this day, it takes frequent remind- Nellis AFB, Nev.
discharge board proceedings against that offered me different opportunities so I while at least temporarily not having to ers that what happened did not need to
Airman, which took place in 2018. Dur- could refocus my attention. It was more focus on all the negative that had become define who I am, nor does it deserve that New COVID-19 guidelines,
ing this time, I didn’t work on healing. than something to consume time or stay their “it.” This is exactly what focusing power. This message is intended for you the coronavirus vaccine and the
Honestly, I was in self-preservation busy; it was things I willingly chose to on the spirit of community was doing to fill the “it” with your current or past road map to recovery were topics
mode. I was fully focused on staying invest in. for me. situations. No matter how large or small covered by Nellis leadership and
afloat at work and keeping my family The act of feeling as if I had control The act of giving provided me outlets those tribulations may be, only you can medical professionals during the
from seeing my tears. Writing poems and a voice again began to replace the to concentrate on positive opportunities determine what happens next. COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall,
Feb. 17, 2021, at Nellis Air Force
Base, Nev.
winners, from Page 1 Master Sgt. Amanda M. Nelson, Capt. Dylan C. Hallums, 548th CTS, Master Sgt. Jason C. Allchin, 414th Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base
Detachment 2, 6th CTS, Camp Bullis, Fort Polk, La. CTS, Nellis AFB Wing commander, and Col.
AFSPECWAR Support Noncommissioned Texas AFSPECWAR Survival, Evasion, AFSPECWAR Enlisted Instructor of the Linda Hagemann, 99th Medical
Officer (NCO) of the Year AFSPECWAR Tactical Air Control Party Resistance and Escape (SERE) NCO of the Year Group deputy commander, ad-
Staff Sgt. Zackery W. Garland, (TACP) NCO of the Year Year Tech. Sgt. Therron A. Bundick, 66th dressed questions in front of a
Detachment 2, 6th Combat Training Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Ward, 12th CTS, Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Maloy, 414th CTS, Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB virtual, live audience during the Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus
Squadron (CTS), Camp Bullis, Texas Fort Irwin, Calif. Nellis Air Force Base, Nev AFSPECWAR CGO Instructor of the Year event with the help of a panel of Maj. Taylor Atchley, 99th Medical Group immunization clinic officer-in-charge,
AFSPECWAR Support Senior NCO of the AFSPECWAR TACP Company Grade AFSPECWAR SERE Senior NCO of the Capt. Mister Carlton, 6th CTS, Nellis medical professionals from the answers questions during the COVID-19 Town Hall rehearsal at Nellis Air Force
Year Officer (CGO) of the Year Year (Tier 2) AFB 99th MDG, as well as 99th ABW Base, Nev., Feb. 17, 2021. Nellis AFB leadership and medical professionals hosted
Command Chief Master Sgt. Alex the town hall to give updates about COVID guidelines and answer questions.
Morgan III.
Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition is Department of the Air Force or Aerotech News and For all submissions, a name and phone number Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Dwane R. Young Members of the panel included protection condition (HPCON) experience with the coronavirus
published by Aerotech News and Review, a private Review of the products or services advertised. of a person to contact must be included in the event Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Collins, public level to Bravo, which means there vaccine.
firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. Everything advertised in the publication shall be questions arise. Command Chief Master Sgt. Alex Morgan III, 99th Air health flight commander, Maj. has been a sustained decrease “I’m here to protect the team
Contents of Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition made available for purchase and use of patronage All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity of COVID-19 cases in Southern and protect the mission,” said
Desert Lightning News Staff are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national and conformity to the AP Style Guide, to include Base Wing command chief, greet a 99th ABW Annual Shannon McCarthy, chief of in-
Paul Kinison, Publisher, Aerotech News and Review by, Aerotech News and Review, the U.S. government, origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political military ranks and proper writing etiquette. Award nominee at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 26, fectious disease, and Maj. Taylor Nevada, as well as on Nellis Air Dyer. “I wanted to offer my ex-
Stuart Ibberson, Editor the Department of Defense or the Department of the affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the Corrections: Desert Lightning News staff 2021. Dyer took time during the ceremony to thank Atchley, chief of immunizations. Force Base. perience with the vaccine to help
Tinna Sellie, Editorial Layout members strive for accurac y each week .
Sandy Bueltel, Advertising Sales Air Force. purchaser, user or patron. If you notice an error in fact, contact the Desert nominees, winners and families for their resilience and Dyer started the town hall Dyer continued with a break- you make your decision”
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