Warfighter of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Cassandra White

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar | Tech. Sgt. Cassandra White, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) noncommissioned officer in charge of knowledge management, was recognized as the Warfighter of the Week, Jan. 25, 2016. Warfighter of the Week is an opportunity for the Airmen who represent 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) to share their own story. The Warfighter of the Week initiative aligns with the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander’s priority of creating a work environment where someone knows you both professionally and personally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather R. Redman/Released)  

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, AZ, UNITED STATES

02.10.2016

Story by Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar 

12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern)

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - Tech. Sgt. Cassandra White, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) noncommissioned officer in charge of knowledge management was recognized as the Warfighter of the Week, Jan. 25, 2016.

At first, White didn't have an idea of what she wanted to do when she graduated high school.

"I didn't have plans to go college right after high school, and my family respected my decision," said White. "But it was my dad who saw my potential and thought I would do well in the military."

Throughout her senior year of high school, White's father continued to try to convince her that she should pursue a career in the military.

"It was during my senior year of high school that my father took me to a recruiter's office for the first time," added White. "As I was leaving the recruiter's office, I thought there was no way I was going to join the military."

It wasn't until after she graduated high school that White's father was able to convince her give the military a chance.

"After I graduated from high school, my dad continued to challenge me to give the military a try because he believed that I could do it," said White. "The next day, I was at the recruiter's office and I haven't looked back since. I really thank my dad for believing in me and always being there to support me. I can honestly say if it wasn't for my dad, I wouldn't be in the Air Force today."

As the noncommissioned officer in charge of knowledge management, White develops, implements and manages knowledge operations programs and collaborative initiatives and technologies for 12th AF (AFSOUTH) headquarters.

"We provide training, education and guidance in knowledge operations tools, techniques and best practices for 16 staff agencies and over 700 users," said White. "Additionally, the 12 AF (AFSOUTH) knowledge management section also is the Crisis Action Center's knowledge management liaison with both the 612th Air and Space Operations Center and U.S. Southern Command for major exercises."

Knowledge management also helps units organize and deliver vital information in an efficient matter to facilitate situational understanding and decision making.

Since joining the Air Force, White has had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

"Before joining the Air Force, I lived in a very small town in Oregon," said White. "If I hadn't joined, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to travel all over the world, meet some amazing people and be able to progress further in my personal education. The Air Force has offered me many opportunities and has continued to challenge me to become a stronger person, and to believe that I can do anything."

But according to White, the Air Force also played a big role in her personal life.

"Another great thing about joining the Air Force was that it led me to meet my husband, Jeremy," said White. "Twelve years later, we have a family with two beautiful children, JD and Joslynn."

Even though White has accomplished a lot during her time in the military, she still manages to set goals to challenge herself.

"My goal is to progress further in my military professional development, make master sergeant and take advantage of all the training opportunities I can," said White. "As for my personal education, I hope to finish my Bachelors of Science in Sociology."

Warfighter of the Week is an opportunity for the Airmen throughout 12th AF (AFSOUTH) to share their story. The Warfighter of the Week initiative aligns with the 12th AF (AFSOUTH) commander's priority of creating a work environment where someone knows you both professionally and personally. These outstanding Airmen are selected by their directors based on their contributions to the Air Force's mission.

• Date Taken: 02.10.2016
• Date Posted: 02.11.2016 12:23
• Story ID: 188593
• Location: DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, AZ, US
• Hometown: PORTLAND, OR, US