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Senior Airman Jessica Gutierrez, 21st Operational Weather Squadron weather journeyman, studies a weather forecast for Europe Feb. 22 on Kapaun. Gutierrez’s primary job is to analyze weather features, produce forecasts and brief weather updates in support of missions across Europe and Africa. The 21st OWS’s mission is to provide timely, accurate and relevant weather information to be used by the Air Force, Army, Marines and allies.
To help highlight Women’s History Month, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs recently met with several inspirational women around the KMC to ask them a few questions about what the month means to them. Senior Airman Jessica Gutierrez, 21st Operational Weather Squadron weather journeyman, shared her thoughts.
Q: Who has been the most influential woman in your life and why?
A: Dr. Ivonn Ellis-Wiggan, Royal Air Force Mildenhall sexual assault response coordinator, has had an incredible influence on me. She encouraged me to speak more candidly about my experience as a military sexual assault survivor. She campaigned for me to sit down with Maj. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office director, to represent the Air Force in Washington to discuss sexual assault impact on the military.
Q: What is your greatest personal accomplishment thus far?
A: So far, my greatest accomplishment has been raising awareness and offering a voice to survivors. From what I have been told, I have had an influence on people. As terrible as the experience was, I am glad that I can give back.
Q: What do you like best about serving in the Air Force?
A: My favorite thing about the Air Force is that it has given me the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures. I am a huge fan of travel and having the opportunity and means to do so has been fantastic.
Q: What professional goal do you hope to accomplish, and how are you working toward that goal?
A: I hope to finish my bachelor’s degree in public health by the time my enlistment ends. I would like to work with the public health aspect of inner-city school systems.
Q: What is something unique that most people don’t know about you?
A: I don’t know how to swim, even though I grew up in a state surrounded by lakes. Also, I am terrified of Ferris wheels.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to women interested in joining the Air Force, what would it be?
A: It is an incredible opportunity, and it absolutely is what you make it. You will learn so much about yourself, and it could teach you in ways you didn’t think would be possible.
