Focus on Force: Lieutenant's knack for giving extends into community

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  She hasn't been in the Air Force very long, nor has she been at Malmstrom long, either. But 2nd Lt. Miranda Thompson, officer in charge of the 341st Mission Support Squadron's commander's support section, has left her mark on many organizations in little more than 18 months. 

A self-proclaimed sports nut who enjoys all kinds of athletics, this energetic personnelist has volunteered with Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels, Operation Warm Heart and at the Airmen's Center, the Detour. 

"We collected more than $300 worth of toys for needy children this year," the sociology major said. 

Operation Warm Heart is a program spearheaded each year by volunteers from the 341st MSS. Their undertaking is to prepare, package and deliver holiday meals to the homebound and needy senior citizens of Great Falls during Christmas. They work in conjunction with members of the Great Falls Meals on Wheels program. 

At the Detour, she donates two hours each week to help ensure the Airman at Malmstrom continue to have a place to call their own and enjoy a safe alcohol-free environment. Volunteers typically act as servers, preparing various coffees, teas and cold beverages. 

Perhaps one of her fondest volunteer duties has been her involvement with the Company Grade Officers' Association, where she experienced her best Air Force memory to date. 

"I really enjoyed visiting the Pentagon with the CGOA," said Lieutenant Thompson. "That trip enabled me to see the bigger picture of the Air Force and how it operates at the highest level." 

The Flushing, Ohio, native credits her family for their continued support of her goals and decisions as having the most influence on her Air Force career; but she also started out with a boss she looked up to. 

"Lt. Col. (Ed) Thomas taught me as much as possible before he left and for that I am grateful," the 2005 graduate of Miami University, Ohio, said.
Education is also a part of her after-duty schedule. She is currently enrolled in a master's program for counseling and education with hopes, one day, of becoming a high school guidance counselor. 

This volunteer who loves to shop also said, "For me, it's just best to take one day at a time." 

So while she hopes to be married and start a family one day, right now she's content with being a junior officer in the Air Force, doing what she can to help her co-workers and the community, and taking the time to enjoy what Montana has to offer her, everything one day at a time.