Award winner; Enlisted aide best kept secret in AF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  "Do you want to become a general's enlisted aide?" asked the career functional area manager. "Well, take your time and think about it. 

"Let me know by tomorrow." 

The ear, nose and throat surgery technician had to make a quick decision: Should she stay with her current Air Force career or accept the special duty? 

Unbeknownst to her, the affirmative answer would eventually lead her to earning an Air Force-level award with a chance at becoming the DoD aide of the year. 

"I love my job," said Tech. Sgt. Emily Popkoski, junior enlisted aide to Twentieth Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg. "I really think it's the best kept secret in the Air Force." 

Enlisted aides perform many different functions, she said. When one thinks of an aide, many actions may come to mind. While some of the duties involve house upkeep, an aide also plans and coordinates the events that occur at a general's residence, whether it is an ice cream social or a distinguished visitor dinner party. 

However, the job is not for everyone, she said. It's not all "glitz and glam." The work week and hours are normal, meaning Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the aide is on call all hours of the day. 

"When it snows, I have to shovel my driveway clean and then make sure I have enough time to shovel the general's driveway before he leaves for work," Sergeant Popkoski said. "Last year was the first time I had to deal with the snow, so the routine took a little getting used to." 

Air Force Space Command recognized Sergeant Popkoski's determination to perfect her duties by awarding her the AFSPC junior enlisted aide of the year in September. Then, General Burg revealed to her Oct. 31 she had earned the best enlisted aide in the Air Force award. 

"I couldn't be prouder of Sergeant Popkoski and the highly professional work she does," General Burg said. "She approaches each new challenge with clarity and purpose, and has clearly exceeded any expectations. 

"Along the way, she has become a valued part of our family," he continued. 

Of the about 300 enlisted aides within all of the United States' branches of military, maybe around 75 or so belong to the Air Force, Sergeant Popkoski said. 

The next step is to compete against the best aides from the Army, Marines and Navy. 

"You have to have a servant's heart," she said about what it takes to best all other junior enlisted aides in the Air Force.