MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.— As a spotlight performer, individuals are chosen by leadership for demonstrating the Air Force's Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Staff Sgt. Natalie Whitt, 22nd Security Forces Squadron Armory NCO in charge, received the spotlight performer for the week of May 1-5.
Whitt’s duties include managing the security forces armory and ensuring accountability of 922 weapons and associated equipment valued at $1.5 million. She also administers Land Mobile Radio account, which ensures mission-critical communication, and manages the privately-owned weapons storage and supporting equipment storage programs. In addition, she instructs on 12 weapon systems, supervises assigned armorers and monitors weapons qualifications and current duty rosters.
“Staff Sgt. Whitt set the perfect example of the commander’s intent of ‘Deliver Warfighting Capability Today and Tomorrow’ with her quick reaction to a complete radio system failure while on-duty security forces members were responding to a suspicious package,” said Master Sgt. Jonathan McCarty, 22nd SFS Logistics superintendent. “Sergeant Whitt contacted the radio shop to coordinate not only a temporary solution to the current radio outage, but a permanent fix for any future outages. Within 20 minutes, she was able to have 20 radios reprogrammed for site-to-site communication and delivered to the on-scene patrolman. Her quick and decisive actions enabled the responding units to react to the suspicious package and coordinate an evacuation without any injuries or mishaps.”
Whitt, a Duncan, Oklahoma, native, joined the Air Force in January 2010 and arrived at McConnell in August 2015. Her hobbies include fishing, hiking and sports.
Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influence in my life is my mom. She is the biggest fighter and most loving person I know. She has fought her own battle with breast cancer and survived. Just two years later, she donated her kidney to my step-dad. She continues to share her stories of hope to others, letting them know not to give up. My mom has taught me to always stay positive during tough times, never give up and to care for others.
If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
If I could give advice to a new Airman, it would be to put one foot in front of the other. Keep marching forward, even when doubt, fear and failure all come knocking at your door. Being in the Air Force can be challenging at times because we move a lot, have to make new friends and start at new work centers, but stay positive and keep moving forward.
What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
One goal I will accomplish during my career is finishing my bachelor’s degree.
Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have traveled is Italy. The place is beautiful, there is so much history and the people are wonderful.
If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I just want to see my grandfather one more time. I miss all the crazy stories he used to come up with. There was never a dull moment around that old man.