Airman Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Ashley Russell

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Unit: 607th Air and Space Operations Center and 51st Fighter Wing Honor Guard

Job title: Knowledge Operations Technician/Base Honor Guard Trainer

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: As a Knowledge Operations Technician for the 607th AOC, I provide administrative support to the squadron. I provide tech support for AF Portal, SharePoint, and EMS, and I also serve as the functional area records manager. During exercises, I stand up the UCC to get 100 percent accountability for the squadron. As a trainer for the Osan Honor Guard, my job is to take Airmen and train them into becoming Ceremonial Guardsmen. Aside from being a trainer, I also regularly perform details with the team to include retirement ceremonies, change of commands, POW/MIA ceremonies and any other events requiring our elite services.

Time in the military: 4 years, 4 months

Time at Osan: 13 months

DEROS: Mar 2012

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Hobbies: Reading, sky diving, riding horses, hiking, playing video games

Why did you join the military? I joined the military so that I could travel the world and experience different cultures.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years: In 10 years I see myself as a first sergeant and in 20 years I see myself as the first female chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

What do you do for fun here? I like to go bowling, to the movies, going to amusement parks, and just hanging out friends.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? My favorite memory is the first time I was on the firing party for a funeral while on the Hickam Air Force Base Honor Guard. I had been having a lot of trouble getting the charging handle down during practice and was quite nervous when it came time to fire. Once the firing party started to render military honors, I fired off all three rounds perfectly and the spent rounds were presented to me once the detail was over.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of making staff sergeant on my first time testing. I have a lot of career goals and making staff my first time has definitely put me on the right track.

Who are your role models? My role models are my previous superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Nicole Anderson, my First Sergeant, Master Sgt. Marjon Robertson, and my co-worker, Staff Sgt. Andrea Alderete. Each of these ladies have mentored me both professionally and personally by helping me become a better woman and NCO.