Airman represents 'Flying Tigers' during D.C. visit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (ACCNS) --  A Moody Airman recently traveled to Washington D.C., to accompany the 23rd Wing commander and command chief as part of an annual congressional visit program.

Staff Sgt. Stephanie Secor, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron HH-60G electrical and environmental journeyman, was recommended by her squadron chief and went through an interview process before being named as the top select for the visit, said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Burgess, 23rd WG command chief.

"Sergeant Secor's role was to represent one of the outstanding Airmen of the Flying Tigers," Chief Burgess said. "Her astounding record, professional appearance and confident demeanor were exactly what we wanted as we met our congressional delegation."

The Capitol Hill Visit program is a way for all Air Force wing commanders and command chiefs to communicate with members of Congress and their staff on the issues that matter most to Airmen, said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander.

"The program allowed us to educate our elected leaders on issues that affect Moody, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nellis AFB, Nev., and Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla.," said Colonel Todorov. "It also gave us the opportunity to tell the story of our great Airmen and the 23rd Wing."

Sergeant Secor was able to witness first-hand what a wing commander and command chief would experience annually during the visit.

"Overall, the experience was smooth sailing," said Sergeant Secor. "Even though it was very hectic, I was able to see what happens during congressional visits. Both Colonel Todorov and Chief Burgess worked very hard to address any base issues.

"It was very intimidating because I was walking around with Moody's two highest ranking leaders," she added. "But I was very proud to wear my uniform and represent the Flying Tigers."

In addition, Sergeant Secor was able to meet and interact with six congressmen and two senators.

"She spoke proudly of the Air Force and her dedication to service," said Chief Burgess. "It was obvious that the story of her multiple deployments and her commitment to our mission impressed all the people that we met.

"She presented a face and a story to our civilian lawmakers," he added. "Hopefully, she allowed them to understand that our Airmen are the reason we get our mission accomplished."

An added bonus to Sergeant Secor's Washington experience was being able to visit several monuments in the nation's capital.

"It was amazing to see Capitol Hill and the Pentagon," said Sergeant Secor. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will probably never forget."

She feels very lucky to be a part of this year's visit and attributes her success to never giving up on life's challenges.

"Doing good work will get you recognized," she said. "I hope that other Airmen can see that if you work as hard as you can, you might be given the opportunity to be rewarded like I did."