Photo By Master Sgt. Benjamin Stratton | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christel Janssen, an optometry technician with the 374th...... read more read more
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LAUTOKA, Fiji--A U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from Yokota Air Base, Japan, joined more than 50 U.S. service members and personnel from Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vanuatu and France for Pacific Angel 17-3, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise, July 11-24.
“One big breath in. Hold it. And release. Repeat three more times for me as I listen to your breathing,” the nurse says as she evaluates a patient’s respiratory health.
Her daughter watches from the hallway, taking notes, noticing her mother’s cool and caring attitude as she works with the patient providing intimate, hands-on care.
Now 33 and an NCO in the U.S. Air Force, the nurse’s daughter, Staff Sgt. Christel Janssen, an optometry technician with the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, said her mother’s strong sense of empathy and sympathy for others instilled in her a life-long passion for helping others.
She channeled that passion as a member of the Pacific Angel 17-3 health services team in Tavua, Fiji.
“The ability to give back to others is one of the best parts of working in the medical career field,” she said. “To be able to help others with their eyesight in this beautiful country is an amazing opportunity I am truly grateful for and I have always dreamed of working with different nations to provide humanitarian assistance.”
But she didn’t start her career as a medical Airman, nor was it an easy road getting to where she is today. Janssen began her Air Force journey in 2002, enlisting as an intelligence analyst.
“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but the recruiter recommended I enlist as intel,” Janssen explained. “But after 8.5 years analyzing film, it took a toll on my eyes, and I was dealing with an unhappy marriage, so I decided I had enough—I needed out.”
While the intelligence career field wasn’t her calling, she still loved the Air Force and the opportunity to serve others—which had always been her passion. In December 2010, she transitioned to the Air Force Reserves, with the goal of getting back into active duty to a career field that her heart yearned for.
“While in-processing with medical, I spoke with the medical superintendent about any job openings,” she recalled. “I wanted to cross train as a medical or optometry technician. I was most interested in optometry because I’ve worn glasses and contacts and been going to the eye doctor since I was a child. As an intel imagery analyst, the constant eye use and strain I felt—I knew I wanted to help others through any eye pain.”
After months of paperwork, meetings and interviews, she got approved and in January 2011 headed back to technical training to become an optometry technician, but all the waiting and life’s ups and downs took their toll.
“I found my true calling, but I was in a deep dark place and struggled with depression, anxiety, you name—I felt it,” she said. “Finally, I turned to my family and friends and they got me the help I needed.”
Janssen said she found that getting outdoors, walking her dog, Drake, practicing yoga and meditation, reading positive quotes and articles, and realizing that tomorrow is always an opportunity to start fresh were all ways she pushed past her issues to become the Airman she is today.
“I gave myself a routine (morning and evening) and the room to just, let it all out—cry, scream!” she explained. “Taking care of Drake kept me sane and I started putting myself as more of a priority. I had to remember that life is constantly changing and we are capable of staying strong and flexible with those changes.”
She said she found yoga and meditation helped her to relax, breathe and be in the moment.
“Stretching relieves pains and it also helps me release negative energy and bring in positive while quieting and clearing my mind for later deep reflection and just listening to my inner voice,” Janssen said.
For anyone going through a stressful situation, she recommends, “Surrounding yourself with good, uplifting, happy and positive people, and learn from others, watch and listen.”
“Be true to yourself.”
Her perseverance paid off when she rejoined active duty service in January 2016 and received orders to Yokota AB in February the same year.
“Life is constantly changing—roll with it and be in the moment,” Janssen said. “Look for opportunities—there is always a new door to open, we just have to open our eyes, mind, heart and knock!”
A year later, she got an email inviting her to the PACANGEL 17-3 team headed to Fiji.
“I could have never imagined this is where I would be five years ago!” she exclaimed. “Once I knew about humanitarian missions I knew it was something I really wanted to get involved with. Seeing a different side of the military and medical mission and being able to help those who are less fortunate and do not have access to care and to help form stronger alliances and ensure care in times of disaster/distress is an amazing feat and I’m so humbled to be here and a part of it.”
As with most missions, it’s always about the people who accomplish them and those they impact. PACANGEL 17-3 was no different as it offered all involved an opportunity to make new friends with people from all walks of life.
“Everyone is kind, helpful and motivated!” she said excitedly. “The Fijians are receptive to the care we give and very grateful and appreciative of our assistance. They are also just fun to talk and interact with. Additionally, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces are easy to relate to because of their dedication to this mission alongside us.”
She’ll never forget the road that led her here, but now she’s turned over a new leaf and feels she’s exactly where she needs to be.
“At the end of the day, my heart and soul is full and that keeps me motivated,” she said with a smile that could light up a room. “I’m doing what I love—helping others—just like my parents taught me.”
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2017 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 242716 |
| Location: | LAUTOKA, FJ |
| Web Views: | 269 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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