Patten native honored

by Staff Pioneer Times
17 years ago

By Master Sgt. Ellen L Hatfield
940th Air Refueling Wing
    BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The daughter of a Patten couple was selected as the 2007 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the 940th Air Refueling Wing here.
    Air Force Reservist Chief Master Sgt. Jessica F. Palmer, daughter of Carroll and Jackie Palmer, is the logistics plans superintendent for the 940th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 940th Air Refueling Wing.
ImageUS Air Force photo/Maj. Robert Couse-Baker
OFFICER OF THE YEAR — Air Force Reservist Chief Master Sgt. Jessica F. Palmer was selected 2007 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for her unit.
    Between her Reserve and active duty time, the chief has made the Air Force a career. "I've been enjoying this dance for more than 30 years," she said.
    Chief Palmer said she most enjoys the people at the 940th ARW, and creating change by finding better ways to serve the people and complete tasks is rewarding to her.
    "As the logistics supply manager for the wing, I have the opportunity to touch everyone in the unit," said the Chief. "If someone has a need, I can usually find a way to help them meet it."
    In keeping with that philosophy, her most fulfilling experience in the military was working with new people and a new nation.
    Chief Palmer deployed to Djibouti, Africa during 2007 to help stand up Africa Command (AFRICOM). The U.S. military performed many duties there, from drilling wells for drinking water and remodeling schools, to teaching children and adults English and other subjects.
    "One of the goals of AFRICOM was to win the hearts and minds of the Africans, and we did that," Chief Palmer said. "They now view Americans as compassionate and caring people. If we can reach a young person and win their heart, we may avoid having to deal with that person as a potential terrorist in the future."
    In her leisure time, the Chief enjoys hiking, camping and fun runs.
    Chief Palmer's first thought about winning the award was surprise.
    "I love my Air Force," she said. "I chose this career, and have loved almost every minute of it. The journey has been reward enough."