Master sergeant earns seventh stripe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Randi Flaugh
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Recently the Air Force announced to 1,450 master sergeants they would be receiving that seventh stripe to senior master sergeant, putting them among the 10.97 percent that were promoted this year. 

Among those individuals was Master Sgt. Lisa Kinnunen, the Division Senior Non-Commissioned Officer for the Aerospace Data Facility Mission Operations Group Chief of Staff. Sergeant Kinnunen was in shock when she found out she was the only one selected from here. 

"It was very humbling because I'm surrounded by my peers who are always giving 100 percent to the mission and the people," said Sergeant Kinnunen. "Their dedication and commitment are amazing and they are truly deserving of this recognition as well." 

Sergeant Kinnunen is thankful to all her fellow Senior NCOs who were always there to lend an ear and give advice when she needed it. She also expresses gratitude to Lt. Col. Jonathan Snowden and Chief Master Sergeant Dale Armstrong for their support. 

"As you can see this is not an individual accomplishment, it is a 100 percent team effort," she said. 

Sergeant Kinnunen expresses to young Airmen that the Air Force mission is constantly evolving and to accept change as it comes. 

"Keep an open mind, jump at every opportunity to learn something new, and never be afraid to get your hands dirty," Sergeant Kinnunen said. "Look for opportunities to make a positive difference in the military and local community and earn your Community College of the Air Force degree." 

She believes the best decisions are sometimes the hardest to make and encourages Airmen to ask for help when they need it. 

"It is not a sign of weakness," she says.

 

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