Staff Sgt. Kandyse Hayes, 460th Operations Group

Published Nov. 7, 2007

Warrior of the Week -- Staff Sgt. Kandyse is the assistant noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the 460th Operations Group Commander's Support Staff. Sergeant Hayes is the Warrior of the Week for Nov. 9 through 15.

Time in Service: Seven years

Hometown: Bronx N.Y., and Eutawville, S.C.

Hobbies: Attending college to attain another degree and reading literature

What is the combat capability that you exemplified to earn you the Warrior of the Week?
During War Week, I worked in the Deployment Control Center where we deal with deployment shortfalls during the exercise. It is important to practice doing these shortfalls in a timely manner because when real world events happen, we need to be able to get these positions filled quickly to get the member deployed to where they need to be. Our only focus during this time is getting a person who is qualified and eligible to where they are being tasked during a deployment.

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
Being a personnelist, we deal with every member's career. From the time one enters through basic training all the way until they retire or separate from the Air Force. My job is needed to ensure validity among records as well as helping the member with any questions or concerns that they may have regarding their career. We help them make solid decisions and advise personnel on what actions they need to take to maintain the accuracy of their records, career information, awards and decorations, etc. Just as other careers are needed for the mission of the Air Force, so is personnel, we keep things running smoothly.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
Honestly, I don't think there is much that I would change about the Air Force. There are good days and bad days just as any other job and you have to learn to adapt and excel. The Air Force is currently going through a transition by cutting budgets and manning but we all have to adapt and make the best of it because there is a reason for everything.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
My most memorable experience would be being a part of the 819th Red Horse Squadron for almost four years while stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. I enjoyed being in the squadron because the morale there was very strong. When we deployed, the entire squadron went together and looked out for each other; never left another behind. Though the atmosphere was very strict the majority of the time, we were a family and stuck it out together. It was hard to depart but it was my time to leave and start my life with a new family at the 460th Operations Group.

Why do you serve?
I serve in the Air Force because I have always felt it was one of the best branches of the military to go into and I was eager to learn and get the experience I needed to surpass in having a military career. I enjoy the experiences that I have gotten from learning new things and the challenges that came as well. Sometimes as people, we shun away from a challenge because we are scared of failing but I have learned that if I challenge myself, I can never fail because I took the chance to try and learn. Being a member of the Air Force has taught me all of this and more and I will serve proudly until my time is done.

Military accomplishments:
I am currently enrolled in humanities and psychology courses to complete my Community College of the Air Force degree and build upon my current degree from the University Of Phoenix.

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Warrior of the Week