Ramstein highlights Women’s History Month

As the month of March continues, the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office continues to meet with inspiring women around the KMC to help share their stories of what Women’s History Month means to them. This week, we highlight Chief Master Sgt. Amber Mitchell, 86th Operations Group superintendent and former U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s Kisling NCO Academy commandant.

Q: Who has been the most influential woman in your life? Why?

A: The most influential woman in my life, besides my mom and grandmother, was Master Sgt. Liz Bolin. I was a brand new airman 1st class at my first duty station when I first met Bolin. She was a fiery senior NCO who was strong, confident, articulate, smart and knew how to influence others. She demonstrated what being an Airman was supposed to be about. She always set a good example, stood up for her Airmen, allowed us to “teach” her, and showed great patience while ensuring we had everything we needed to be successful. The life lesson I remember most from her was to stand up and be heard even when you think you have a small voice.

Q: What professional goal do you hope to accomplish, and how are you working toward that goal?

A: There’s not a big difference in my professional or personal goals. My goal is to have no regrets. Sometimes I miss that mark and am reminded quickly by my girls or by an Airman. But, I’m always grateful when I look back on the week or month, or even years, and know that with the big things … I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Even the mistakes I made helped me learn and become better.

Q: What is something unique that most people don’t know about you?

A: While many people know I’m from Kentucky because I frequently discuss my love for the bluegrass state, most probably don’t know I grew up on a farm. My nearest neighbor was over a mile away. I learned to drive on a two-ton Mack truck between rows of hay, spiked so much tobacco my hands would be stained, and I almost drove a tractor into a creek. My dad quickly decided that 10 years old might have been a little young to handle farm machinery. That little farm girl grew up to be an Airman.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to women interested in joining the Air Force, what would it be?

A: Do it. There’s no better way to be courageous, bold, strong and independent while learning a skill setting you up for an entire lifetime. There’s so much opportunity you can’t go wrong.

Q: Where is home for you, and what was your reason for joining the Air Force?

A: I’m from Henderson, Kentucky, … straight from the farm. I had two years of college already and was not feeling fulfilled. I didn’t have a purpose and was bored. My friend called me saying she was enjoying the Air Force and I should join. After racking up student loan debt and not being too fond of homework, I figured the Air Force would be a nice change of pace. My boyfriend at the time thought that was my weird way of trying to break up with him. I didn’t want to go in the Air Force by myself though, so I called my best friend from junior high school and asked if she’d go with me. That’s how you know you have a real friend. She said ok, and off we went to the recruiter. After 18 years, we’re both still in the Air Force. And that boy … Well, I’ve been married to him for 17 years now.