TOP STORY >>Officer proud to take care of deployers

By Carolyn Bendien
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Captain Sharonda Graham, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron, has been named the Air Education and Training Command Readiness Officer of the Year.

Capt. Graham supports the Little Rock Air Force Base mission by making sure that all airmen are prepared for deployments by supplying them with everything they will need before they leave.

“My job is to deploy people. Every squadron on this base has someone deploying from it. Therefore, my job has an impact on everyone on this base,” said Captain Graham. “My [troops] and I have to ensure everyone leaves here on time and with the proper equipment to sustain their mission in their deployed location. If we fail our job, we fail everyone on base.”
The captain said the most rewarding part of her job is knowing Airmen are taken care of.

“The most rewarding part of the job is when a deployer says, ‘Thank you ma’am.’” she said. “When I know I’ve done everything in my power to ensure their departure was smooth, I’m satisfied. It’s hard leaving behind your family for a deployment, but when you help make that transition easier for (Airmen)... it’s rewarding.”

The AETC Readiness Officer of the Year award is chosen based on the outstanding work that the officer has done over the past year. “I am blessed to be chosen for this award,” said Captain Graham, “I come to work everyday, and I do my job not expecting anything in return. This award is a plus.”