Prajukta Ghosh
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Being named the 139th Airlift Wing’s Outstanding Airman of the Year was a dream come true for Reagan Walker.
Walker, a sophomore at Missouri Western State University, serves as a healthcare administrative specialist with the 139th Medical Group.
She said joining the military was something she’d always wanted to do, even if she wasn’t sure which branch was right for her at first.
“So I always wanted to enlist. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go Army or Airforce, but being so close to the National Guard, I thought that it was a great opportunity for me still be a civilian as a nurse but still serve my country,” Walker said.
Balancing military service with nursing school isn’t always easy. Walker admitted the demands of academics can be challenging, especially with the expectation to show up and perform well during drill weekends.
To manage the stress, she focuses on staying ahead with schoolwork. Something that makes the hustle worth it is having a great unit.
“I think my unit is my favorite part. I am in the medical unit, and I have a great supervisor, some great friends from that unit. I just love getting to be here and spend time and I also love my job working in the front office at the clinic,” Walker said.
Receiving the award was especially meaningful to Walker since she’s only been enlisted for two years. She said it was an honor to be recognized so early in her career.
Senior Master Sgt. Michael Crane, public affairs superintendent, said awards like this help highlight the important work airmen do—work they may not always realize is being noticed.
“Her supervisor saw that and they decided to put her forth of this Airman of the Year competition and that’s important because what we are doing out here is paid for by the taxpayers, so it’s letting them know about the work these airmen are doing,” Crane said.
Crane explained the Outstanding Airman of the Year program takes place across every wing in the Air Force and focuses heavily on mission execution.
“Airman Walker is responsible for over 900 medical records, which is virtually all of our folks on base. So anytime our members have to go to the clinic, whether it be for dental-related or medical, her role is to ensure all of our folks are medically ready to get in the plane,” Crane added.
Walker said she was eager to participate in the interview because she hopes to encourage high school students or others who may be looking for help paying for college and an opportunity to be a part of this honor.
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