Tuskegee Airman of the Week: Oct. 25-31

Photo By Andria Allmond | Senior Airman Christina Chavarria of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Oct. 25-31. Among her distinctive accomplishments, Airman Chavarria filled an NCO position as team lead on 10 project sites, maintaining 100 percent accountability of third-country nationals and securing a $4 million dollar construction location.  

BALAD, IRAQ

11.09.2009

Story by Senior Airman Andria Allmond  

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Senior Airman Christina Chavarria of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Oct. 25-31.

"Airman Chavarria is an Airman who's leading the charge on base security," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander, who presented Airman Chavarria with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters, Nov. 6. "She plays a crucial role in maintaining our force protection program - a well-oiled machine."

A force protection escort, Airman Chavarria filled an NCO position as team lead on 10 project sites, maintaining 100 percent accountability of third-country nationals and securing a $4 million construction location. Also, she ran a vehicle inspection station, which searched more than 80 vehicles and maintained flight line security.

"It feels awesome to have my peers and supervisors recognize my accomplishments," said Airman Chavarria, a native of El Paso, Texas. "Our job has so many aspects. We protect a variety of assets and various high-profile construction sites - including intelligence and the quick reaction force - in order to safeguard against anything that would compromise base safety."

Deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Airman Chavarria volunteered her off-duty time at the Air Force Theater Hospital, aiding in the care of combat-injured patients. Furthermore, in pursuit of her Community College of the Air Force degree, she earned six credits in humanities and psychology classes via College Level Examination Program tests.

"This is the best place to get things done for your education," said Airman Chavarria. "I recommend talking to different people and learning from them. Also, the deployed environment offers opportunities to volunteer. An Airman can learn new things while supporting base activities."

Airman Chavarria was nominated by her supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Jerry Woiton, 332nd ECES force protection supervisor.

"She has taken on the role of a lead supervisor," said Sgt. Woiton. "She brings a sense of professionalism, authority, and command and control to the fight."


The 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week is open to Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5, and is selected based on an Airman's on- and off-duty accomplishments.

• Date Taken: 11.09.2009
• Date Posted: 11.09.2009 04:08
• Story ID: 41291
• Location: BALAD, IQ