Master Sgt. Deanna Chakhaliani, 460th Space Wing Safety Office

Published May 7, 2009

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- Master Sgt. Deanna Chakhaliani, a safety apprentice with the 460th Space Wing Safety Office, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for May 15 - 21.

Sergeant Chakhaliani has served in the Air Force for 14 and a half years and hails from right here in Aurora, Colo. In her free time she enjoys volunteer work, exercise, spending time with her family and walking the dog.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"Master Sgt. Chakhaliani has been with the Safety Office for almost a year and a half," said Lt. Col. Nancy Staats, 460th Space Wing Safety Officer. "In that time, she has become the life-blood of the office. She quickly learned the attention to detail required to inspect areas such as the fitness center, Child Development Centers, Family Child Care and office areas. Her attentiveness keeps these areas safe and operating smoothly for all personnel's peace of mind. She also handles all of the mishaps reported through the safety office. Each and every mishap receives her personal attention to ensure the individual is taken care of and respected, as well as assess whether measures need to be put in place to prevent it from happening again. She is also the one to talk to if you need any safety training, motorcycle safety information or general safety questions."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
Ensure Air Force members are safe on and off duty and conduct inspections to prevent accidents from happening.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
Find an exciting alternative to the Career Development Courses.

Why do you serve?
The honor of serving Americans.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Assisting Iraqi evacuees while they transitioned to the United States.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
While deployed to the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, I served as an airlift specialist. I scheduled Blackhawk helicopter missions within the area of responsibility for personnel involved in training the Iraqi forces.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
I have been doing this since I was 17 years old, I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
I would like to win the Power Ball and retire to a life of helping others in developing countries. Or just helping others not as fortunate as me, but winning the Power Ball would still be nice.

Military accomplishments:
Currently an Air Transportation Craftsman with the 39th Aerial Port Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo.
Served six years on active duty as a Security Forces member
Deployed four times to the Middle East
Awarded two Community College of the Air Force degrees

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Master Sgt. Deanna Chakhaliani, 460th Space Wing Safety Office