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In the quiet anticipation of a life-changing phone call, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ali Stewart, a 1st Special Operations Wing public affairs specialist, found herself on the brink of a pivotal moment in her military career.
Her journey, deeply rooted in a family tradition of service, was about to take a new turn.
Growing up surrounded by the stories shared by her father and grandfather, both naval officers, Stewart's childhood was shaped by a sense of duty and a profound respect for the military. Her father's role as a public affairs officer in the Navy left a permanent mark, inspiring Stewart to envision a similar path for herself.
“I would say she came into the world motivated and determined,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. (Ret.) John Wallach, Ali Stewart’s Father. “From her first breath she has been goal-oriented with a relentless drive to achieve them.”
Amidst the demands of military service, she had a parallel ambition – the pursuit of academic excellence. The decision to enroll in and complete her master’s degree while actively serving emphasized her commitment to both professional and personal growth.
As her journey unfolded, Stewart's aspirations took a definitive turn when she learned of a program that could reshape her career.
“I was and have remained intensely proud of her decision to join the Air Force and the career she has built to date,” said Wallach. “But the Navy has a special place in our family. Upon commissioning, she will be a fourth-generation Naval Officer.”
The moment of truth came with that awaited phone call, a call that would determine her trajectory within the military.
“When I received my notification, I couldn’t believe it,” said Stewart. “I had been chasing this dream of commissioning for so long. It didn’t feel real and probably still won’t until I show up for Officer Candidate School!”
Selected for a coveted position as a public affairs officer in the Navy, Stewart's anticipation transformed into a reality, marking a significant milestone in her service.
“I think my skills learned in the Air Force, especially in public affairs, are going to be invaluable to my time as a public affairs officer in the Navy,” said Stewart. “Bringing in a perspective of military public affairs from the enlisted side, and from a different branch (with some joint environment experience thrown in) will no doubt help me be a well-rounded public affairs officer. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities and experiences the Air Force awarded me.”
With the news of her selection, Stewart's path was set. Her father's legacy, once a source of inspiration, was now a roadmap guiding her transition to a role he had once embodied.
“We hate to see Ali leave,” said Master Sgt. Michael Charles, 1st Special Operations Wing public affairs senior enlisted leader. “Each of us know that at the core of a successful team lies an exceptional leader that can rally people around them to accomplish common goals. These are the leaders that will maximize the professional and personal potential in those around them. Sergeant Stewart is one of those inspirational leaders.”
Stewart swears into the Navy on the 9th of January 2024, a day etched with personal and professional significance. Through the lens of a phone call that changed the course of her career, Staff Sgt. Ali Stewart emerges as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who follow in the footsteps of those who served before them.
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2023 12:20 |
| Story ID: | 460203 |
| Location: | FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From blue skies to open seas: Hurlburt Field Airman to become Naval officer, by SSgt Alex Stephens, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
