Curran named Warrior of the Week for tornado relief efforts in Woodward

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank John Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When Staff Sgt. Nicole Curran heard about the tornado that hit Woodward, Okla., she knew she had to do something for the people there.

Curran, a mission services supervisor with the 71st Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight, began coordinating a relief effort the morning after the tornado hit Woodward. She learned about the damage to Woodward from the Northwest Oklahoma State University Psychology club's Facebook page.

"Once I got to work Monday, I started the day by contacting Public Affairs to send out information about people being able to drop off donations to the weather flight," said Curran.

Team Vance members donated approximately $5,000 worth of furniture, non-perishable foods and clothing.

"We had so much stuff we have to use four full-sized vans to transport it all," said Curran.
For her efforts in leading the relief efforts within the Vance community she was named Warrior of the Week for the first week in May.

"Weather isn't just a job for me it's a huge passion of mine," said Curran, a native of Berlin, N.H.

However, Curran did not always have a positive outlook on weather, especially as a child.

"I was one of those kids who hated thunderstorms, they terrified me," said Curran. "My parents would put blankets under the doors for me and hold pillows over my ears so I couldn't see the flashes of lightning or hear the thunder."

One day her father decided it was time for her to face her fear. He took his frightened daughter out into a thunderstorm and had her look at what was really happening.

"He showed me that it can be scary and dangerous but there is also great beauty behind it," said Curran. "Ever since that night, I was hooked."

Today, Curran generates weather forecasts for Team Vance, which she says is her favorite part of the job. She has been working with the Weather Flight since arriving at Vance in 2003.