Gunfighter recognized as one of the Air Force's Outstanding Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch III
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/5/2015 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho  -- Since its inception in 1956, the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award has recognized superior Airmen for their leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

This year Mountain Home Air Force Base has the pleasure of recognizing one of our own Airmen, Staff Sergeant Lindsey Fuentes, 366th Medical Support Squadron biomedical maintenance equipment technician.

Col. David Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander, lauded Fuentes' service to the nation.

"Because of the outstanding efforts of men and women like Staff Sgt. Fuentes, the 366th FW is successful at providing combat power to fight and win our Nation's wars," Iverson said.

Raised in Peachland, North Carolina, Fuentes enlisted in September 2008 to serve her country and to complete her education.

Fuentes was shocked when she heard the Air Force selected her as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2015.

Fuentes humbly remarked it was an award in itself just to be submitted.

"This award is a reflection of my co-workers, leadership, and the whole Medical Group," she said.

Col. Andrew Moore, 366th Medical Group commander, is proud of Fuentes' accomplishments as a Gunfighter.

"NCO's like Staff Sgt. Fuentes are what make the backbone of our Air Force," Moore said. "I couldn't be prouder to serve with her."

One specific accomplishment stuck out in Fuentes' mind--the ability to execute multiple roles in the shop during a time of decreased manning.

"I was constantly looking for ways to improve processes," Fuentes said, "because those [processes] lead to saving time, which proved to be very valuable [in times of reduced manning]."

Not only was Fuentes enhancing her work area, but she was applying her experiences to develop fellow Airmen as well.

"Opportunities such as Airmen Leadership School class leader and my volunteer efforts were challenging," Fuentes said. "But they really pushed me to improve in various facets of my life."

This leadership experience set her above her peers, earning her the John L. Levitow Award. This award is given to the student who displayed all the characteristics of an effective leader and fostered teamwork within the ALS class.

The John L. Levitow was not the only award she received in 2014.  She also earned the 12th Air Force Junior Enlisted Professional of the Year and the Air Combat Command Airman of the Year; and her efforts helped the 366th MG earn the ACC Best Hospital of the Year award.

Fuentes continued setting the example by completing 15 semester hours and obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management.
She didn't stop there.

Fuentes completed her 7-level upgrade training eight months ahead of schedule while volunteering and leading multiple food drives both on and off base.

Now that she's received one of the Air Force's highest recognitions, is Fuentes' taking a break?  Not even close.

"I would definitely be interested in becoming a professional military education instructor," Fuentes said. "Also, I'm considering commissioning and starting my master's degree in business."

Fuentes is thankful to the many people who have guided her on the path to this honor.

"I couldn't do my job without the great people that I work with every day."

Separated but not alone

By Senior Airman Lauren-Taylor Levin, 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published July 27, 2015

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFNS) -- As the dawn broke out over the mountains, I woke up to the sun peeping through my window. Once I got up I went straight to the kitchen to make my family breakfast yet in the back of my mind, all I could think about was, “how am I going to manage taking care of my children, dogs and work life.” Just the thought of knowing I'll have twice the amount of things to do at home all while balancing my military work, made my heart sink a bit.

Growing up as a military child myself, I knew separation could be extremely hard and hit at any time. Looking back, I now know how alone my mother felt whenever my father went on deployments or TDY. It seems like an eternity waiting for your loved one to return home so you aren't carrying all the weight on your shoulders.

There are dozens of base agencies to make these separations easier, but I didn't realize it yet.

After just three days of being with my children and trying to balance everything I felt like the world was crashing down on me. It was as if I was a first-time mother trying to figure out if I was doing anything right and becoming completely overwhelmed. My office was starting to notice a change in my attitude and how quickly I would become agitated to otherwise insignificant events.

My co-worker and I decided to hang out once a week to discuss everything that was on our minds. Although it was nice to vent and get some relief, it only went so far with reducing the stress.

Unfortunately, because of the hours my husband worked, I could only see him for an hour or two each day on Skype, after I put the children down to sleep for the night.

A week went by and I had to pick up my children one afternoon, and I was stopped by a staff member at the child development center.

She asked, "Is there anything going on in your household?"

I explained how my husband was currently on TDY and I've been dealing with a lot of stress lately.

Shortly after my explanation she notified me that my son wasn't acting like himself either. I was so consumed with my own problems I didn't even notice how my family was doing.

The caregiver said, "Your son is starting to become antisocial, not eating as much food and becoming a bully at daycare."

I felt as if I was failing as a mother and I had to get help, not only for my son, but myself as well. The only problem is I had no idea where to start.

The caregiver gave me a pamphlet about dealing with separation and inside was a card. I called to make an appointment to talk to the counselor about how I could help my son and myself through this time of separation.

As I met with the counselor, we discussed my everyday routine. Not only did I find out I wasn't failing as a mother, but I felt some kind of comfort.

The counselor explained that regardless of a child's age, they can tell when a family member is gone or stressed. Although you may think it won't rub off on them, it does.

As we continued our conversation he recommended I try some exercises with my children and see their reactions to it.

One exercise in particular was the 1-2-3 method, also known as the "count" to stop behavior method. If your child happens to have a tantrum or isn't listening this is a great exercise to try.

This exercise helps to lead your child to learn, think and take responsibility for their actions. Doing this gives the message that your authority is not negotiable before you act with a consequence. This consequence doesn't necessarily have to be a big thing. It can simply be redirecting your child toward doing something else, like assisting you with putting items away or reading a book with them.

He explained that the more I get involved with my children's life, the better. I should replace that sense of separation with love and care, helping to distract that feeling of loneliness.

Once we finished discussing how I could help my children; the counselor asked, "how are you handling all this?"

Just as I was going to start talking my face turned bright red because I knew everything I was carrying on my shoulders was finally about to be lifted off of me. I began to discuss my struggles of trying to make sure everything was the same as it was before my husband left. I was so focused on trying to make sure everything was perfect I became overwhelmed and stressed, not only myself, but my kids too.

He later explained that no matter how much I want things to be the same, they aren't, and all I can do is make the best of each situation. Not only that, but I should take time to help myself relax by finding a hobby to diminish the stress.

I really took what he said to heart. My son is no longer being antisocial; he's eating more and being a lot nicer. I still have to deal with his "terrible-two" moments, with and my 1-year-old daughter deciding to join him, but with some redirection, they're back to normal.

Even when you feel there's nowhere to turn for help, there's always someone who cares and can guide you in the right direction. There are other resources on base to support you in times of need, such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, key spouse groups, first shirts and mental health.

Whether it's a friend, family member, counselor or even just writing a journal there are always avenues for help.

You're not alone.