Intelligence Airman wins volunteer award

by Capt. Neil Samson
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- Contrary to her quiet and unassuming demeanor, an Air Mobility Command Intelligence Directorate's knowledge operator is defined more by her volunteerism than by her modest personality.

Senior Airman Natasha Thomas, Air Mobility Command Air Intelligence Squadron knowledge operator, spearheaded volunteer efforts and garnered the 2012 Air Intelligence Squadron Volunteer of the Year Award.

"Airman Thomas is a quiet professional, fantastic Airman and peer leader who really exemplifies the Air Force's whole person concept," said Maj. John Groth, AMC Air Intelligence Squadron director of operations. "Things run so smoothly when she is involved with the Booster Club, the front office and squadron physical training sessions -- we're so fortunate to have her on our team."

In her two years at Scott AFB, she has volunteered for numerous events sponsored by the Booster Club, Air Force Sergeants Association, Humane Society of Belleville, First United Methodist Church, Salvation Army of St. Louis, Missouri Veterans Home and Meals on Wheels. Thomas also coordinated her organization's fundraising event at the 2012 Scott AFB Airshow and organized many unit fundraising potlucks.

"Airman Thomas has been a tremendous asset to the Air Force Sergeants Association devoting freely of her time to Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to the elderly and those in need in the local community," said Senior Master Sgt. Rebeca Gabel, Air Force Sergeants Association president.

Master Sgt. Marty Pallone, the unit's Knowledge Operations superintendent, said Thomas is methodical, organized and thinks outside-the-box during the duty day and applies it to the advancement of her education and community involvement.

"Thomas is humble and downplays her work, but she is the 'brain' of the Intelligence directorate," said Pallone. "With Airman Thomas, I can effectively reach out to other members of the squadron in my superintendent role because I know our directorate is handled with Thomas."

While on the final path to finishing her Community College of the Air Force degree, Thomas plans to exercise her "brain" power by immediately pursuing her bachelor's degree afterward.

"I am three courses away from completing my CCAF degree and I plan to eventually earn my bachelor's degree in either graphic communications or psychology," said Thomas.

Thomas attributes her motivation on and off the job to her fellow Airmen and to the mentorship and understanding of her leadership.

"The people I work with motivate me and if I am having a bad day, they offer encouragement and take off the workload when I'm having a bad day," said Thomas. "Sergeant Pallone monitors the workload and she knows what I can and cannot handle so it is her guidance that keeps me motivated."

"They say not to judge your career by your first base, but I already enjoy the people I work with and my leadership," said Thomas.