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Wing NCO reflects on Capitol Hill visit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Beaudoin
  • 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
Washington --  Multiple deployments and years of training missions have allowed me to become proficient at what I do in the U.S. Air Force Reserve: I stabilize patients in flight, I save lives, and I take care of servicemembers during transport back to the U.S.

My job as an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 315th Airlift Wing is not just a job to me; it's my passion. Like me, the congressional men and women who serve our county are also passionate about what they do, and they have a direct impact on the lives of my brothers and sisters in arms.

Returning home from my second deployment to Afghanistan, I was invited to accompany 315 AW leadership and be a part of the Wing commander's annual congressional visit in Washington July 31 - Aug 1. The trip was an unforgettable experience.

The purpose of the trip was to meet with members of the S.C. Congressional Delegation and update them on current issues affecting the 315 AW. Having recently returned from deployment, I was able to give a first-hand account of life as an Airman at Joint Base Charleston and abroad.

The trip kept us busy: we toured the capital, attended meetings at the Pentagon and the Capitol, and U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson took us to the Galley to watch him and other house members vote.

Col. Russell Fingar, 315 AW commander, Col. James Fontanella, 315 AW incoming commander, Chief Master Sgt. Gigi Manning, 315 AW command chief master sergeant, and Capt. Wayne Capps, 315 AW public affairs, gave me a glimpse of the day-to-day political aspects they have to prepare for and act upon to keep the Wing mission running strong.

It was an honor to be selected by the 315 AW and have the opportunity see what goes on behind the scenes at our nation's capital. I focus on my job, the mission and the patients I take care of in flight. Our leaders focus on us, and they make sure we have the necessary resources for us to fly, fight and win."