Senior Non-Commissioned Officer motivates, inspires Airmen on 'The Rock'

Photo By Master Sgt. Lakisha Croley | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sylvia Ford, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing staff agencies superintendent, is deployed to "The Rock," an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, from the 43rd Communications Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. In her off duty time, the Jennings, La., native, teaches step aerobics class six days a week.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.22.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Lakisha Croley 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

They call her "Momma Ford." She keeps Airmen within regulation, motivates them to stay physically fit, and inspires everyone to reach their goals in higher learning. Two words sum up this phenomenal senior NCO -- "super woman."

Master Sgt. Sylvia L. Ford is the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing staff agencies superintendent here at an air base in Southwest Asia. She hails from Jennings, La., and is deployed from the 43rd Communications Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

As the WSA superintendent, some her responsibilities include tracking correspondence between senior wing leadership and their subordinates, updating calendars, and ensuring computer systems are operational.

"I continuously strive to be supportive of co-workers and all Airmen, whether it's helping resolve work issues or keeping morale high," said Ford. "The most important and rewarding part of my job is making travel arrangements for WSA personnel to reunite them with their loved ones."

When she isn't working to keep the WSA in motion and the camaraderie concrete, she is burning 1,000 plus calories a day instructing step aerobics classes.

"I teach step aerobics six days a week," she said. "It's brutal; but, as long as people are getting results and enjoyment, I will continue to teach." The high impact workout class goes from 5:30-6:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

In addition to fitness, education is also an important part of being a well-rounded Airman, according to Ford, and she continually inspires troops to further their education.

"I would like to remind my Air Force family about a great benefit that is basically free to each member - education," she said. "If you are not in school, please visit the education center and get started. CLEP and DANTES tests are fun and absolutely free of charge."

This deployment to "The Rock" is the seventh in Ford's career and is also bittersweet as it is also the location of her first deployment. She said several changes have occurred since her last stay, but she found there are still areas to leave her mark.

"I believe in leaving a place and its people better than the way you found them," she said. This forthright attitude and passion is reflected in her job performance.

The 17-year Air Force veteran said compartmentalizing and organization are key to her everyday effort to be better than she was the day before.

"You have to be great at keeping things organized," she said. "Also, even though no one is perfect, you must have the drive to strive to be a perfect performer."

Similarly, Ford said that while computer systems are crucial to the Air Force's mission, Airmen are the key to mission success.

"A continuous flow of information throughout the chain of command is essential for effective communication," she said. "Airmen who don't practice good communication tactics have a difficult time succeeding; without these elements mission failure is inevitable."

Ford said deploying is enjoyable and an important part of being an Air Force member.

"I love this part of the military," she said. "It gives me a chance to branch out and help make our Air Force better while supporting war efforts."

At the end of a long day at the office, followed by step aerobics, the senior NCO takes time to study before she beds down for the night so she can ready herself to do it all again.

• Date Taken: 03.22.2010
• Date Posted: 03.22.2010 05:57
• Story ID: 46983
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)