View March 2024 KANZA Warrior Spotlight: Capt. Emily Alley
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --
1. What is your official job title?
Public affairs chief
2. What is your hometown? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kansas City.
3. What is your civilian job?
I am a professor of Strategic Communication.
4. Why did you join the 931st ARW?
I joined because about 20 years ago, I was a senior in high school and my guidance counselor asked me the same question: Why do you want to join the Air Force? I recall my answer then was, "I'll pay for college and get paid for it." Honestly, I retire next month mission--accomplished.
5. What are your goals?
Since I retire next month, I'm going to flip this question around and talk about something I'm proud I accomplished: This attached photo is from a few years ago when the Royals went to the World Series. My wing had been tasked to present the flag and flyover during the national anthem. I was there as public affairs, but I talked the Fox Sports cameraman into letting me run his camera and take a photo of me running his camera.
6. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy making oil portraiture.
7. How do you contribute to the 931st mission?
The commissioned side of public affairs is more administrative because you are trying to remove obstacles so your enlisted Airmen can document the mission.
8. What's your favorite part of the mission?
My favorite part of being enlisted public affairs was always meeting interesting people and documenting the amazing, unique work they did. I would jump into convoys or other interesting things and start talking photos. Every day was an adventure and it's the coolest job in the Air Force.