Faces of the Force

New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Sarah Chambers, a member of the 109th Airlift Wing, is currently ranked third nationally in powerlifting and first in New York State for her division. A member of the Air Force for 19 years, she serves full time in knowledge operations in the communications flight. Chambers had been ranked first in her division of submaster (for ages 35 to 39) for the last four years, but she just added a new achievement: In July she became National Champion in two divisions at the 2023 United States Powerlifting Association Drug Tested National Championships.

Air Force Senior Airman Devreountre Buchanan, a 30th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation dispatcher, is an integral team player at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. “My father and grandfather both served in the U.S. Army,” Buchanan said. “My grandfather served in the Vietnam War, and my father did a tour in Iraq.” After graduating from college with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a friend in the Air Force encouraged him to join. “These three people,” he said, “served as my unofficial recruiters, introducing me to military life, providing information about career opportunities.”

Hispanic Heritage Month allowed Airman 1st Class Jackeline Londono, 28th Health Care Operation Squadron aerospace medical technician at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to indulge in her culture, despite her distance from home. “I have been blessed with such a great team that has allowed me to take time to attend celebrations,” she said. “We recently held a Hispanic Heritage event at the exchange, where we served traditional Hispanic meals to Airmen across the base. Thanks to my leadership, I could connect with my culture and help out while showcasing my background.”

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Mike Perry was named as the Dean of the College of Military Studies & Leadership, a new online curriculum offered at Columbia Southern University in Alabama. Perry previously served as Air Force First Sergeant Special Duty Manager. The new program will offer studies in cybersecurity, homeland security, intelligence, supply chain management, IT, and leadership. “Our goal is to give our service members and veterans the credentials they need to advance their lives and the lives of others,” Perry said. “The U.S. military is arguably the greatest producer of leaders in modern history.”

Space Force Specialist 3 Andrew Adams, a defensive cyber operator for the 645th Cyberspace Squadron, was the first Guardian chosen for Below the Zone at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., Oct. 2. BTZ allows those currently holding the rank of Airman First Class/Specialist 3 to be promoted to Senior Airman/Specialist 4, six months ahead of their standard qualification date. He was hand-selected to safeguard the first joint space launch between Delta 6 and Space Launch Delta 45. “I’m excited to wear the extra stripe, take on more responsibilities, and have more opportunities to lead,” Adams said.

The 908th Airlift Wing, Alabama’s only Air Force Reserve Command wing, welcomed Col. Christopher K. Lacouture as its 27th commander Sept. 9. Lacouture will oversee the wing’s transition to the formal training unit for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, which will replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet and mission sets. “We are halfway through the most complex mission change in any wing in AFRC has executed,” Lacouture said. “In the next two years, that work will progress as the MH-139 schoolhouse emerges and the wing continues its deployable mission.”

The National Guard Bureau designated Maj. Stephen Brightman as the first bilateral affairs officer from the Hawaii Air National Guard to serve at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. Brightman’s mission aims to further enhance the robust relationship between the United States and the Philippines during his three-year tenure, particularly through the State Partnership Program. “There’s a strong relationship between the two countries already established, and my objective is to further strengthen it by enhancing our communications and readiness,” he said.

Civilian Laura Webster of the 691st Cyberspace Operations Squadron received the 86th Airlift Wing Airlifter of the Week Award June 23 at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. Her hard work supports daily administration that enables the unit’s mission to operate and defend Air Force networks and advance Air Force core missions. “My 691st COS family is inspiring me to spread love and kindness and make me better every day,” Webster said. “I couldn’t do it without my Hellhounds!” The 691st COS’ role within the wing is to serve the U.S. Air Force’s premier Storage and Virtualization Center of Excellence.

Dr. Michael K. Hole yearned to serve his country as a young boy. Known as Capt. Hole to fellow Reservists at the 301st Medical Squadron at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Texas, he gained much of his inspiration to serve from those close to him and the individuals he cares for. “My grandfather, a Bronze Star recipient, fought in Korea,” Hole said. “Today, some of my dearest friends are service members and veterans I admire. However, I ultimately joined because so many of my patients—kids from disadvantaged backgrounds—courageously stepped forward … to swear a solemn oath to this country.”

Master Sgt. Brian Sampson is a great example of a multi-capable Airman. A Religious Affairs Airman with Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, he is also a computed tomography (CT) technologist in his civilian job, and he also has X-ray technician experience. After a deployment to the Middle East, he received the Meritorious Service Medal for contributing to the combat and spiritual readiness of 5,250 personnel. He was lauded by the Medical Group commander after the base’s only X-ray tech fell ill, and he assumed radiology technologist duties for more than 1,800 wing personnel.