MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 1. What is your official job title?
I am the 931st Air Refueling Wing Director of Psychological Health.
2. What is your hometown?
Where did you grow up? I was born in California, raised in Oklahoma and then moved to Kansas. My hometown is Kiowa, Kansas, however the last 30 years I've lived in Kingman, Kansas.
3. What is your civilian job?
I am a full-time civilian.
4. Why did you join the 931st ARW?
I personally have a history of military family members (active duty, veterans, and Reserve) who have experienced mental health issues or needed to seek support at least once in their career; most have not due to stigma. I'm hoping to support the decrease in stigma and barriers and increase the need to address emotional health as imperatively as service members would their medical or overall health. Seeking care early can help service members address mental health conditions before they worsen.
5. What are your goals?
I want to continue to grow and mature as a person, be more self-aware and accept my limits while being persistent despite obstacles. I also want to develop new skills all the time to be successful professionally and personally. Lastly, I want to live according to my morals, values and code of ethics while striving to be a better person today than I was yesterday.
6. What are your hobbies?
I love anything competitive. I love attending live sports events and watching sports on TV. I also play cornhole, shuffleboard, softball and golf. I also love camping and about anything outdoors.
7. How do you contribute to the 931st mission?
By supporting psychological health in peacetime and fulfilling the enhanced requirements imposed during times of conflict. I get to help build a culture of support for psychological health, to ensure a full continuum of excellent care for servicemembers and their families. I also provide sufficient resources and referrals and empower leadership.
8. What's your favorite part of the mission? I would have to say my favorite part of the mission is "Execute Today. Shape Tomorrow!" I have the honor and position of supporting and helping build the skills needed so the best trained Airmen can provide combat air refueling. By having this honorable role I'm allowed to be a part of promoting a psychologically healthy force ready to meet the mission and the Nation’s call!