Get to know the Airman of the Month for November, Airman 1st Class Karissa Philyaw, 97th Operations Squadron airfield management operations coordinator, from Altus Air Force Base.
1. Can you share a recent experience where you were challenged to perform at your absolute best? What did you learn about yourself through that experience?
A recent experience that challenged me to perform at my absolute best was responding to my first In-Flight Emergency as a fully qualified airfield management operations coordinator. Around noon, we received word of a KC-135 inbound with smoke in the cockpit, just ten minutes from landing. While I had witnessed emergencies during my training, this was the moment where the responsibility rested on my shoulders to prove my training had truly paid off. I watched as the aircraft landed safely and exited to the nearest taxiway. I inspected the runway for Foreign Object Debris to ensure continued airfield safety. I then monitored the fire department, medical personnel, and maintenance team as they assisted the crew. I stayed until the aircraft was towed back to parking and secure. Even though my shift ended at 1300, I remained on the airfield until 1430 to ensure the recovery was complete. This experience taught me that I am capable of maintaining focus and composure during high-tempo, critical situations. It also reinforced my commitment to ‘service before self’-even though it meant being late for a personal appointment to renew my Restricted Area Badge. I learned that the safety of the aircrew and the integrity of the mission will always be my top priority.
2. Beyond your technical expertise\, what personal quality or strength do you believe contributes most to your effectiveness and reliability in your unit?
I believe the quality that contributes most to my effectiveness is my relentless drive for personal and professional growth. I don’t just see self-improvement as a personal goal, but as a responsibility to my team. Our unit faced low manning and longer working hours. I pushed myself to complete my On-the-Job Training months ahead of the allotted time. By becoming mission capable, I was able to immediately alleviate the workload off my fellow Airmen. I also applied this drive to the 97th Operations Support Squadron Moral Committee. I raised over $2,000 over the last three months alone. This included selling $350 in custom squadron merchandise and organizing two successful events. By focusing on the morale of the squadron, I ensure that I am contributing to a stronger, more capable unit.
3. The Air Force emphasizes both precision and lethality. How do you apply those concepts within your specific role to ensure mission success for Altus AFB?
In airfield management, I apply precision through the oversight of our airfield environment. At a training base like Altus, precision means ensuring every flight plan is filed without error, every notice to Airmen is communicated instantly, and every end of the runway is inspected for discrepancies. One small oversight can have a significant effect on flight safety; therefore, precision is the foundation that allows our aircrews to focus entirely on their training. While my role is not on the front lines, I contribute to the Air Force’s lethality by maximizing our capabilities. By effectively managing airfield operations and ensuring there are no delays for our pilot training. I directly enable our pilots to log the hours they need to become combat ready. My job is to provide a safe, seamless environment where the 97th Air Mobility Wing can produce the most lethal and capable aircrews in the world.
4. How do you stay ahead of the curve and ensure you're always prepared to excel\, regardless of the challenges that may arise?
I stay ahead of the curve by maintaining a disciplined routine and a mindset of constant preparation. I strive to handle the small details before they become big problems. Whether it's staying on top of my training, my education, or my morale, I hold myself to a high personal standard. This consistency ensures that when unexpected challenges arise, I have the foundation to handle them calmly and effectively.
5. What piece of advice would you give to a fellow Airman who is striving to embody the same level of excellence and dedication that earned you this recognition?
My best advice is to lean into your fellow wingmen. No one reaches excellence alone. Be the person your team can rely on and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance when you need it. Being a good wingman is just as much about supporting others as it is about letting others support you. I also encourage you to strive for growth in every area of your life. Don’t just aim for excellence at work; aim for it in your personal and educational goals too. Finally, get involved. Dedicating your time to your unit is incredibly rewarding. When you truly care about the mission and the Airmen beside you, putting in the extra effort doesn’t feel like a chore-it becomes a source of pride. If you strive for excellence in the small things, the big recognitions will take care of themselves.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the individual and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of War, Department of the Air Force, or the U.S. Government.