SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Patriotism and love for country can be a reason why men and women choose to serve in the armed forces, and it’s no different for Tech. Sgt. Inna Lvova, 50th Comptroller Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of financial analysis at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, who said she is proud to wear the uniform of the United States Air Force.
“I moved to the United States when I was 8 years old,” Lvova said. “Originally I’m from Russia and the Ukraine. I’m proud to be an American. The opportunities this country provides are phenomenal, living here is amazing.”
Lvova said she’s always had a strong work ethic, which may have led her to winning the 50th Space Wing, 14th Air Force and Air Force Space Command 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year NCO category award as well as being nominated for the 12 OAY nco category for the Air Force.
“Being from a foreign country and being raised by parents from there, I really take pride in my work ethic,” she said. “Where I’m from, we don’t have the same opportunities, so to get where you want to be you have to work really hard.”
Master Sgt. Kathy Blake, 50th Wing Staff Agency and 50th CPTS superintendent and Lvova’s supervisor, said Lvova has always performed at a high level.
“She has a very high drive,” Blake said. “She always comes into the office ready to work, she always puts Team Schriever first and isn’t afraid to stay late or even come in early. She’s relentless in doing the job right, and doing it at high level.”
Lvova said although she is from Russia, she’s always known she was accepted as a member of the Air Force.
“I’ve never really noticed any difference on how I am treated,” she said. “The Air Force is really good at practicing diversity. I’ve always felt a part of this team and mission. I have a great support system around me and people I can turn to when I need them.”
Blake said diversity in the Air Force is cherished.
“We all admire her,” Blake said. “She brings a different perspective that is needed. Diversity makes us a better unit.”
Lvova said coming into work is always a pleasure.
“I love the Air Force and I love my job,” Lvova said. “It’s challenging and keeps me on my feet. I’m never bored.”
Blake said Lvova’s attitude is contagious.
“She’s always positive,” Blake said. “She never has bad days, and if she does she doesn’t show it. This type of attitude spills over into the office and helps build a stronger team.”
Regardless of being Russian-born, Lvova said she identifies as American and is very proud to wear the uniform.
“I’m here to serve my country,” Lvova said. “It doesn’t matter where I was born or where I grew up. We’re all here to serve, we’re all American Airmen.”
Lvova was recently selected to advance to the rank of master sergeant, and said the next step in her career is a permanent change of station to Austin, Texas, to work on Apple’s global accounting team. To receive that duty, Lvova had to submit an application, have a good resume (which included her last five enlisted performance reports) and a letter of recommendation.
“At the end of the day, hard work really does pay off,” she said. “In the Air Force, it doesn’t really matter where you’re from or who you are. What matters is how hard you work and how much you are willing to do for your unit. We’re Airmen first.”
Date Taken: | 05.29.2019 |
Date Posted: | 07.17.2019 18:29 |
Story ID: | 331892 |
Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
Web Views: | 499 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Proud to be an American; from Russia to American Airman, by SrA Jonathan Whitely, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.