F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --
Airman 1st Class Megan Melvin, 90th Communication Squadron knowledge operations apprentice, spent a day with Col. Stacy Huser, 90th Missile Wing commander here, on Nov. 7, 2017.
The Day with the Commander Program allows junior Airmen to shadow the commander and learn how the wing operates on a day-to-day basis.
"This is my first time doing the program,” said Huser. “For me it was fun getting to know Airman Melvin's background and interests. I hope through this program she gained a bigger picture of how the wing operates, such as what types of meetings we have to sit through every day and more about the mission of the wing."
At the end of the day, Melvin shared her thoughts on the experience.
Q: What did you expect this experience to be like?
A: A lot of people were joking around, saying I would be doing the dirty work. So I didn't know what to expect. I had a great time though.
Q: Did today change your perspective about daily life in the wing?
A: Absolutely. There is a lot more bureaucracy within wing life. My job is a small one that feeds into the big picture. Her job is the big picture. There is a lot that goes into it than I thought and more things that take up your time that are not necessarily needed. I have a lot of appreciation and respect for her and how busy everyone's lives up here are.
Q: What is your biggest takeaway from this experience?
A: To stay open-minded and to take things from every perspective. I need to make sure I take things from every point of view.
Q: Would you recommend this opportunity to other Airmen?
A: Yes! Absolutely. It gives you a new perspective on the behind the scenes aspect of the wing. Airmen are busy learning their job. Therefore they do not think about the big Air Force or what their leadership is doing.
Q: Could you handle being a wing commander one day?
A: I don't know about that.
Although Melvin does not feel she could do the job, Col. Huser believes it is possible because she saw potential in Melvin.
Melvin’s final thought of the day was, "Don't underestimate what your leadership has to go through every day."