SSgt. Elizabeth Foley, 460th CES

Published Oct. 23, 2008

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- The Warrior of the Week for Oct. 24 - 30 is Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Foley, a housing manager for unaccompanied members, from the 460th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Sergeant Foley has been in the Air Force for more than 6 years and hails from Kronenwetter, Wis., which has a population of 5,300. Sergeant Foley is no stranger to being "green." In her "village," it is mandatory for residents to recycle - if they don't, their trash doesn't get picked up.

Most of her days are filled up with work, school, volunteering and dancing with her 21-month-old son. When she does get free time, she enjoys running, hiking and camping. And when she really needs to give her brain a break, she likes to play video games with her husband.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"Staff Sgt. Foley is the 460th CES's example of a warfit lifestyle, as she actively promotes fitness in the unit as a physical training leader and in her self-motivation to go beyond what's required," said Senior Master Sergeant Dean Harris, 460th CES Operations Flight Superintendent. "As the unit Self-Aid and Buddy Care instructor, she received accolades for her natural talent from the Medical Group personnel evaluating our Prime BEEF training. Sergeant Foley is mission-ready, but most of all her warrior ethos is demonstrated in her mentorship of our Airmen. Despite her short tenure and experience, she was selected by the commander to provide interim supervision to three Airmen, in differing Air Force Specialty Codes, during the deployment of the Airmen's supervisors. Sergeant Foley is a force multiplier, and it's contagious."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
As an Unaccompanied Housing Manager, my daily duties directly affect the well being of our young warriors that are accomplishing the Air Force mission. My goal is to give these Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines a solid home platform on which they can perform at their highest capabilities.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I would like to see a better reward system for enlisted education in the E-7 and below categories. I believe individuals that sacrifice their precious time and energy toward a higher education should be offered recognition and perhaps additional pay and promotion considerations, as they are an exceptional asset to the Air Force mission. They are exceptional not only because of their accomplishments, but also because they have the self-motivation and time-management skills that it takes to accomplish the mission.

Why do you serve?
I continue to serve for many reasons. The first that comes to mind is because I enjoy so much being a part of something big that we all play a role in. I would like to think that most of us are not in this just for ourselves, we're in it for everyone around us. When we go out into the civilian world, we are so willing to lend a helping hand and take charge of situations when needed. I care, and it is so encouraging and inspiring when I see others who sincerely care all around me. Where else can you find that?

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Ah, my first duty station -- Kadena Air Base, Japan. I spent two years on that small island finding myself. While searching, I found my soon-to-be husband, a little bit of mischief, and towards the end of my tour, responsibility. I came in as a slick-sleeve six months after high school with no clue what the world was like. Kadena was where I left my adolescence and began to finally grow up.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
When I overcame the fear to stand up in a group of people and ask a question, even though I knew my face was going to get red. For me, the fear wasn't about getting up and asking a question, it was about my face getting hot and everyone looking at that instead of listening to what I had to say. I guess it was fear of being prematurely judged.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
Before I enlisted I wanted to become a forensic pathologist; I even shadowed a coroner in high school. Unfortunately, I probably wouldn't have been able to afford the 12 years of school it would have taken me. I would be finished with my bachelor's degree, trying to figure out what I want to do with it, bouncing from job to job.

Where will you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
In ten years I hope to be one of the 17 medical entomologists in the Air Force. Basically, I want to study the bugs that make people sick. I will be done with my bachelor's degree in a year and then I will be off to graduate school for my master's degree in Entomology. I would also like to have one or two more children, and own a house.

Military accomplishments:
Achievement Medal from Kadena Air Base, Japan
Senior Airman Below-the-Zone
Awarded staff sergeant stripe in July 2006
Awarded the Leadership Award from Airman Leadership School
460th CES Airman of the Year, 2005
460th CES Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, 2007
460th Space Wing NCO of the Quarter
Three Airman of the Quarter awards from 460th CES
Community College of the Air Force Pitsenbarger Award winner
Outstanding Volunteer Medal
460th SW nominee to Air Force Space Command for 2007 Lance P. Sijan award
President of the 460th CE Unit Advisory Council 2007
Elected Secretary of Buckley's 5/6 Association 2008