New NCO finds good fit in leadership role

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Most of the time moving to a new base can be exciting, but the tedious, and sometimes redundant, task of in processing can be said to be the worst part of a Permanent Change of Station. So much so, that often times in processing to a new base can be pushed to the bottom of a "to do" list.

One very determined staff sergeant recognized this problem and, with the help of her team, took this challenge head on. Staff Sgt. Melissa Clouatre, 341st Comptroller Squadron financial services representative, managed to improve in processing to Malmstrom Air Force Base by 100 percent in 30 days.

"We determined that the weekly in-processing list that we get from the [Military Personnel Flight] was our key," Clouatre said. "On that listing we can see the day the member arrived on station, and with help from the newly posted regulation in regards to [Basic Allowance for Housing], we brief how important it is for members to in process within five days of arrival."

In-processing improvement isn't the only thing this Henniker, N.H., native brought with her upon arrival to Malmstrom one year ago. She brought a positive attitude and enthusiastic mentorship.

"She's the whole-picture leader that we were looking for, so it's been great," said Capt. Scott Thompson, 341st CPTS financial services officer. "I would say that she was the catalyst for turning this section around when she arrived."

Clouatre's transition from Airman to NCO was fairly recent and extremely smooth. Before sewing on staff sergeant, the motivated Airman already possessed several important leadership qualities. She does everything she can to keep the Airmen in her office be as happy as she can - even if it means making Mondays a little sweeter.

"Sometimes my Airmen just need some reassurance that the work we put forth each day makes it worth it in the end for the customer and in self-satisfaction from being able to solve and/or prevent a pay issue," she said. "Also, almost every Monday I bring in a sweet treat that I bake. Some have nicknamed me 'Ms. Betty Crocker.' That little sugar rush seems to get everyone going on Mondays."

Her homemade treats are baked to keep her Airmen happy, but it's the simple things like going to the gym, reading and spending time with her husband, Craig, and two Boston Terriers that make her happy. She also volunteers in the community as much as possible; she considers volunteer work a need and a part of who she is as a person. She has volunteered at the C.M. Russell Museum Open House assisting children with arts and crafts, Operation Warm Heart and is also an active SARC Victim Advocate.

"She doesn't do so much extra that it negatively impacts her work or her leadership role, but she does enough to where she positively represents the Air Force and this unit," Thompson said. "She's been involved with the booster club - she's the secretary of our squadron's booster club - she's organizing our Christmas party and she organized our summer picnic."

But her extra-curricular activities don't stop there. When she's not at work or improving the Great Falls community, she's improving herself. She currently has an A.S. in Accounting, Community College of the Air Force degree in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science degree management. She is also considering continuing her education by majoring in Nursing; one of her main goals is to serve at least 20 years in the Air Force and maybe one day become an officer.

"My parents were both in the Air Force, met at Malmstrom where they both worked as Crypto Maintenance [members] and always talked highly of the military," she said. "After listening to all their stories as a kid, I always felt that I needed to do something in support of my country."

Her support is prominent for both her country and Malmstrom Air Force Base, but the support she has for the people around her is what stands out the most.

"She's just an amazing role model for all of the Airmen even though she was one not too long ago," Thompson said.