Medical Support Squadron Airman goes the extra mile on the job and outside, too

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Hansen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In order to keep up with the advancements of modern technology, the Air Force relies on its greatest asset - its people - to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of technological mediums.

Airman 1st Class Amy Kelm, a 341st Medical Support Squadron computer assistant technician, spends her days making sure the computers within her squadron are working correctly and can support the responsibilities required for mission success on this Air Force Global Strike Command base. It takes patience, dedication and the willingness to learn in order to operate and fix the inner workings of stubborn computer equipment.

"Airman Kelm shows tremendous personal initiative in her quest for knowledge," said John Osment, chief information officer for the 341st Medical Group. "Before she was even in consideration for a position in the Information Services Flight she often came to my staff asking questions about the internal workings of a personal computer simply for her own understanding."

Although dealing with malfunctioning computers is a full-time job in and of itself, Airman Kelm still finds the time to take on additional duties within her squadron, base and community. She holds the positions of alternate safety representative for the command section, alternate for the personal wireless communication system and as the terminal control officer. She also serves as a member of the base Honor Guard, so it'd be safe to say she stays busy.

"Overall, the things that keep me busy I enjoy," Airman Kelm said. "I view my time as valuable so I spend it on valuable extracurricular activities."

When she's not focusing on additional duties while on-duty or honoring military traditions in the Honor Guard, Airman Kelm is working on completing her nursing pre-requisites through Park University or improving her physical status at the gym.

"I'm striving to be a better Airman at work and in general because everyone needs a mentor and someone to look up to - without mentors our world would be crazy," Airman Kelm said.

"I know, for my career, if I didn't have great supervisors to look up to and give the proper guidance, I wouldn't have been nearly as successful. I have learned so much from them; I've learned about my job, but most importantly, life lessons that I can take and use in the future for myself and future subordinates."

Airman Kelm is well on her way to becoming a leader as she was recently awarded Airman of the Quarter and is only 13 credits shy of earning her Health Management degree with the Community College of the Air Force. This Oblong, Ill., native is constantly setting examples for the newest members of Team Malmstrom.

"Airman Kelm is one of the most enthusiastic Airmen that I've had the pleasure of working with," said Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Coleman, 341st Medical Support Squadron NCOIC Resource Management Flight. "There's no doubt that she has a bright Air Force future ahead of her."