August Guard Member of the Month Shines for the 101st

Photo By Staff Sgt. Michelle Hopkins | U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Adrianna Fish, a personnelist for the 101st Air Refueling Wing, poses for a photo on August 18th, 2023 at the 101st ARW, Bangor, Maine. Fish was the recipient of the Guard Member of the Month award for August 2023. (Photo by U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Michelle Hopkins)  

BANGOR, ME, UNITED STATES

08.22.2023

Story by Airman Erick Green 

101st Air Refueling Wing

MAINE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Me. (Aug. 22, 2023) -- The Air National Guard provides many benefits to our members. One of the biggest and most notable benefits is the ability for our Airmen to not only hone their craft in their military careers, but also be able to pursue a career on the civilian side, whatever that may be. Many of our members choose to pursue a civilian career that is drastically different from what they do for the ANG, such is the case for Staff Sgt. Adrianna Fish, a personnelist for the 101st Air Refueling Wing, as well as the owner of her own photography business.
SSgt. Fish prides herself in the job that she does with the 101st, so much so that it has caused her to shine amongst her peers as she has recently been awarded the Guard Member of the Month award for August 2023. Receiving this award is an honor and accomplishment in itself, but it is enunciated by the fact that it is currently her busiest time of year with her photography business.
“This time of year is a busy season for me,” said Fish. “In the last year I have been putting a lot more focus on elopement photography, and this is the time of year where I get most of my business working with clients primarily in Acadia National Park.”
While SSgt. Fish’s photography business has opened doors and enabled her the opportunity to make her passion into her career, it was not without a lot of persistence and commitment to her craft. She attributes these characteristics to her time with the Bangor Air National Guard.
“Being in the Air National Guard has helped me in so many different aspects in my life,” said Fish. “I’ve maintained a stronger sense of personal discipline, and following a timeline to keep myself on track with my photography business. It has been a challenge, but it’s also gotten so much better because of the military and how they prepare us to see the mission through. Keeping that regimented approach that I acquired from the military and bringing it into my personal life and business has helped me so much.”
SSgt. Fish’s sense of professionalism and disciplined approach has given herself quite the presence amongst her peers. As stated before, she was a recipient for Guard Member of the Month for August of 2023. Guard Member of the Month is given to those that have shined bright for their unit and provided exceptional support to their fellow Airmen.
Technical Sgt. Monica Kranich, a personnelist at the 101st as well as SSgt. Fish’s direct supervisor has witnessed firsthand the impact that she brings to the unit and how her presence is crucial toward meeting their mission’s standards.
“SSgt. Fish has always been highly motivated and constantly seeking knowledge,” said Kranich. “Her dedication to completing tasks with a positive attitude is commendable and what we value most about her and what she brings to our unit.”
“Her time management skills are extremely incredible,” Kranich said. “The way that she gives her all to not only her business, but to the 101st as well is very impressive and something that everyone around her not only notices, but greatly appreciates.”
SSgt. Fish has also recently volunteered to represent the 101st as part of a mission in Guam where she will be able to not only display her professionalism, but be a great example to the other Airman around her on how you can dedicate a great amount of your time to a career in the civilian world, and also dedicate yourself to your military service and take a great pride in both avenues.
Living the double life of a member of the Air National Guard grants us the opportunity to really get our feet wet in two very attractive career paths. This is something that SSgt. Fish has come to appreciate, especially when considering the fact that there is always opportunity to grow at the 101st.
“The Guard is ever-changing and I love how I always feel like I’m learning something new,” said Fish. “My office has also been very understanding about my job outside of the Guard and they take it seriously, which I greatly appreciate. I also feel as though I have found my niche within the office and my peers are relying on me, which makes me feel more involved and happy with what I am doing here and what I am a part of.”

• Date Taken: 08.22.2023
• Date Posted: 08.23.2023 07:28
• Story ID: 451905
• Location: BANGOR, ME, US