Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kayla White | U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christy Peterson, outgoing 11th Wing command chief,...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. — U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christy Peterson, the highest-ranking enlisted member on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s first all-female command team, reflected on her experiences as a first generation Airman ahead of her retirement this summer. Although she has roots in Long Beach and San Pedro, California, the Air Force has taken her on adventures at home and abroad.
“I [joined the Air Force] for education and opportunities,” said Peterson, “and I love serving people. It fulfilled something in me to be supporting a mission. One of my first mentors suggested services, and I got to do everything from mortuary affairs to fitness classes. I especially loved working with food, because it makes people happy! It’s a real test of skill to produce something delicious from dehydrated packets in a deployed environment, but we did it.
“Do you know the Dr. Seuss book, ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’? I like to say ‘Oh, the places you’ll go with a positive attitude.’ Treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of rank, opened doors for me, and I tell my mentees that it will open doors for them too.”
After 27 years in the Air Force, Peterson is now retiring and moving back West with her husband, Damion, also a chief master sergeant, who will retire from the Air Force in October after 29 years. “Our family’s story started in the National Capital Region, and it’s wonderful to complete our last assignment here. We’re now looking forward to spending more time with my family closer to home.”
As she considered her career, Peterson said that “being the command chief of the Chief’s Own [a moniker for the U.S. Air Force 11th Wing, the host unit for JBAB] ends my Air Force career on a high note. It’s been awesome. To all the young Airmen out there, keep dreaming, and have a plan to get there. You can’t be your best without knowing who you are. Remember: Good humans make good Airmen!”
"Chief Peterson is an inspiration to all," said U.S. Air Force Col. Cat Logan, JBAB and 11th Wing commander. "She has accomplished so much during her career, and I'm so grateful to have had her as my wingman this past year in the Chief's Own. She made our team and me better in so many ways, and she led us to places we never dreamed of. As she retires, I'm going to miss serving with her every day, but I'm excited for her and Damion in this next chapter of their lives. She will continue to inspire all and do everything with H.E.A.R.T (Honesty, Effort, Attitude, Respect and Teamwork)!"
As Peterson prepares to build up a new community as a civilian, she remains focused on the importance of service and mentorship. “As a mentee, I’ve always tried to let mentors know how much their impact mattered. Some of the highlights of my time in the Air Force have been seeing my mentees succeed, too.”
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2022 16:32 |
| Story ID: | 424745 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON , DC, US |
| Hometown: | LONG BEACH, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN PEDRO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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