MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- -- Carol Southworth
22nd Force Support Squadron
Airman & Family Services Flight
Mrs. Carol Southworth is a Sutton, Neb., native who has worked at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., for 19 years. She works for the 22nd Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Services Flight as the Chief of the Family Child Care Program. Her hobbies include reading and collecting carnival glass.
What do you enjoy most about McConnell?
McConnell is a small community. It is easy to get to know people and establish friendships. I like that.
Why is serving the Air Force important to you?
I have an opportunity to serve my country by ensuring that the care provided by qualified family child care providers is the best we can make it for the children in our McConnell community. That is important!
What would you like to accomplish during your Air Force career?
The best accomplishment I could think of would be developing a Family Child Care Program that is regarded as full of professional-minded FCC providers; providers who want the best for McConnell children; providers who take advantage of career enhancing opportunities offered to them by the Air Force like national Child Development Associate accreditation. Providers who read to, sing to, hug and love our children every day.
Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My husband. He has always been very supportive of my career, even on those long days that go into the evening and all the Saturday mornings at work over the years.
What would you be most proud to tell your parents?
Years ago, you struggled to pay for my college degree and then wondered if I would ever get around to utilizing that education. If you were alive today, I would thank you again. It is because of your hard work that I am able to be in the position I am in today, training adults to care for and educate children.
What would you like to tell someone who is considering joining the Air Force?
The Air Force is a unique community. While safeguarding the country at home and around the world, we take care of each other. It is an opportunity to reach beyond yourself and be part of a group with a mission that is global in nature. It doesn't matter what your job is, you are a valuable part of that mission.