Tech. Sgt. Lakesha Sawyer-Strickland, 460th MDG

Published Feb. 6, 2009

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- Tech. Sgt. Lakesha Sawyer-Strickland, 460th Medical Group, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Feb. 13 - 19.

Sergeant Sawyer-Strickland is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Buckley's Satellite Pharmacy. She hails from Benton, Miss., where there were only 25 people in her graduating class. The pharmacy technician enjoys reading in her spare time.

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
Although, I have never had the opportunity to deploy, I feel that I am contributing greatly to the mission by making sure our warriors receive the care they need in a timely manner when they come to the pharmacy.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I would convert many of the Child Development Center civilian slots to military by creating a new Air Force Specialty Code. I would keep CDCs open 24/7 to better serve single-parent homes. Being a single mother during my career, I found it very challenging at times to concentrate on the mission while trying to make sure that my children were cared for in my absence.

Why do you serve?
I serve because I am extremely proud to wear my uniform and to serve my country. My children will have a better life and a better future because I made the choice to do something positive. It has been truly a dream come true and blessing to have the life I have now.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
My most memorable experience in the Air Force was believing in myself enough to put in a package for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program in 2008.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
My most memorable personal accomplishment occurred in 2008 when I realized the Air Force believed in me enough to select me for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program. The experience was the most incredible thing to ever happen to me since the birth of my children and one I shall cherish forever.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
If I were not in the military, I would like to think that I would be doing something else positive in my life. Being in the military has truly been a blessing for me and an escape from a life of negativity. Therefore, I would not like to contemplate the notion of doing something else.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
In 10 years I would like to be residing somewhere in Texas, working as a registered nurse in a hospice setting.

Military Accomplishments:
2008 Selectee for Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
21st Medical Group NCOIC Pharmacy Technician of the Year 2005