Smith faces command chief on August AOM board

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Senior Airman Shakon Smith, the element leader of outpatient records for the 71st Medical Support Squadron, received the 71st Flying Training Wing Airman of the Month award for August.

"I was nervous at first because (the command chief) was on the board," said Smith, from Cordele, Ga. "I just took a few deep breaths and loosened up after talking for awhile."

Each month Airmen are selected to represent their squadrons in the competition. Normally, the board consists of a senior NCO, an NCO and the previous month's Airman of the Month.

This month the squadron representatives were surprised to see Chief Master Sgt. Mark Aman, the 71st Flying Training Wing command chief, sitting on the board.

While facing the board, Airmen are judged on their military bearing, military knowledge and current events.

"I wanted her to go before the board because she is one of my stellar Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Deanna Richey, the NCO in charge of Tricare operations and patient administration. "She has taken on the responsibilities of an NCO position for the last six months and is doing great.

"I know I can depend on her and the Air Force is lucky to have her," said Richey.

Part of Smith's job is keeping her people current on changes to procedures and implementing them. She oversees three military and three civilians.

"The thing I like most about my job is working with people, and I get to see all kinds of people, so it's great," said Smith.

In her free time, Smith volunteers for the humanitarian organization, Habitat for Humanity, and is going to school for a degree in health care administration.

"I plan on staying in the Air Force and I'd like to cross train to the mental health field," said Smith. "But if I do get out, I'll have a degree and six years of experience to fall back on."