445th AW January Spotlight Performer

  • Published
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Rank/Name: Staff Sgt. Nicole L Patterson

Unit: 445th Force Support Squadron

Duty Title: Wing Training/Education Counselor

Hometown: Lynchburg, Ohio

Civilian Job: Wing Training/ Education Air Reserve Technician

Education: I currently have my Community College of the Air Force degree in maintenance management production, an associates in science and working on my bachelor’s degree in government acquisitions and contracting.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my pup, Luna. She’s a shepherd/husky mix and she’s too smart for her own good. On my days off I volunteer at the Highland County Dog pound walking the dogs and cleaning their kennels. I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews. They are growing up so fast so I enjoy being able to be the fun aunt, creating memories that will hopefully last a lifetime. 

Career Goal: I have met my first goal in my career already which was to promote to staff sergeant and complete my first six-year enlistment. My next career goal would be to complete my next six years, and hopefully promote to master sergeant in that timeframe. Long term I would like to make chief and hopefully serve up until the Air Force will no longer have me.

What you like about working at the 445th?: Since I have worked at the 445th, I have met some of the best people in my life. I have gained friends, mentors, and family from this wing. As reservists we are often a second thought to active duty. But I know firsthand the work that the 445th does is unmatched. Prior to working for the FSS specifically, I never knew the amount of work that is truly done.  Servicing almost 3,000 members is no small task, but the work gets done day after day. I am proud of the work that we do, and I am proud to be a member of the 445th FSS and AW.

Why did you join the Air Force?: I had always wanted to be in the military. When I first went to college, I had every intention of joining the ROTC program at Wright State (University). I ended up going a different route which led me to getting my associates degree instead. I knew I wasn’t where I wanted to be in life and I just didn’t know “what I wanted to be when I grew up.” I spoke with a great mentor in my life, retired Col. Howard Willis, and he told me to look into the reserve. Shortly after, I reached out to the reserve recruiting office and decided to join the Air Force Reserve to give me some much needed direction in life. In hindsight it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.