Charlotte, N.C. — “When I first joined the military, it was not a goal of mine to become a non-commissioned officer or to be a leader of some sort,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Courtney Suggs, 145th Maintenance Squadron avionics technician. “The military has a good way of forcing you to grow beyond your comfort zone.”
Suggs, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department sergeant who also serves in the North Carolina Air National Guard, demonstrates strong leadership.Being placed in these roles has helped him further develop his skills. His selflessness and dedication to service have taken him far in both of his careers.
“The North Carolina Air National Guard helped me master my leadership skills by allowing me the privilege of mentoring young airmen,” said Suggs. “I also get to learn from my own leaders here at the wing.”
From being a civilian first responder to working on the flight control systems of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, Suggs continues to strive for excellence, pride and personal growth.
“One of the biggest things for me is having the ability to open doors for people that may not have thought about certain areas to navigate through,” said Suggs. “I am trying to make sure I do a great job to serve the people who are around me and the community.” Suggs says he lives by the Air Force core value, service before self. For him, this means doing everything to the best of his ability. Each day, he strives to maintain a good balance of his responsibilities: being a supervisor, an Air Guardsman, a husband and a father.
In both careers, Suggs wants to continue developing his leadership skills and making a positive impact wherever he can.
“Staff Sgt. Suggs has built strong, trusting relationships throughout the community by consistently showing empathy, respect and genuine concern for the people he serves,” said Capt. Andrew Studney, Steele Creek Division captain. “He connects easily with individuals from all backgrounds, whether at community roll calls, religious gatherings or during emotionally difficult moments. His professionalism and compassion strengthen community confidence in the police department and foster positive engagement.”
Those who work alongside him say his dedication does not go unnoticed and they describe him as the kind of person who consistently goes above and beyond for those around him.
“Staff Sgt. Suggs consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to public service, positively impacting those around him through his professionalism, integrity and dedication as both a police officer and avionics technician,” said Tech. Sgt. John Merlihan, 145th Maintenance Squadron electronic integrated systems mechanic. “He brings valuable civilian leadership experience in personnel management, resource allocation, accountability and decision-making that directly enhances the effectiveness of the 145th Maintenance Squadron.”
Whether he is serving his community as a first responder or serving his country in the North Carolina Air National Guard, Suggs puts his entire heart into everything.