Team Osan Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Phuong Lim

Published June 3, 2015
By Staff Reports
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

Name: SSgt Phuong Lim

Unit: 607 Air Operations Center

Job title: Collection Manager

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: Coordinate with PACAF and CFC to appropriately strategize ISR placement for OLK Collections and exploitations

Time in the military: 5 years, 1 month

Time at Osan: 1 year, 6 months

DEROS: July 2015

Family: 1 Sister (Serena), who lives on Oahu. Parents live in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Hobbies: Music, Soccer, Judo, Biking, Photography, Travel

Why did you join the military? Originally for school benefits (i.e. GI Bill) but the longer I stayed in, I came to realize that I joined to be a part of something bigger than myself. That is why I chose to extend for another 3 years and 1 month

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? I plan to become the first Female Asian Command Chief of the Air Force. I want my voice and name to be heard on Capitol Hill. Before I retire I want to make one lasting impact to the Air Force and that is the way we look at our rank structure.

What do you do for fun here? I take advantage of the travel opportunities that are offered through ITT and Outdoor Recreations. I also do some exploring on my own and do street photography.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? I was on a deployment with my now lifelong friends. It showed me how individuals from different walks of life are able to come together and work effectively and efficiently as one team. We provide critical intelligence support to our allies and joint troops on the ground. From deployment I learned about true Wingmanship, that sometimes through the darkest times they are the only family you have to bring you home. It is an opportunity that few don't get to experience unless they deploy in a dynamic joint environment.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? My proudest accomplishment was being awarded my first Joint Commendation Medal. I remember being an AMN in Tech School standing in the hallway waiting to report in because I had just gotten in trouble for falling asleep. I remember seeing my instructor who had counseled me for falling asleep and seeing her ribbon rack and that she had on a green ribbon with stars. Later she told me that it was a Joint Commendation Medal and that I cannot earn it falling asleep at my desk. I never did again. I emailed that instructor a few years later saying that I have proudly earned my Joint Commendation just like her.

Who are your role models and why? My dad. He worked hard, from the moment he got onto American soil and never stopped. My Dad ensured that I would have all the opportunities I could have in America. He provided me with a better life and chance to succeed that most common kids growing up in Vietnam would never have. He has always been supportive of my decisions through and through. He is my rock, where I draw my courage, and my confidant.