From stripes to bars

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Colby L. Hardin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Growing up her dream was always to work in the medical field. After a lot of hard work and a little re-routing she is finally back on track.

Staff Sgt. Marvina Jones, 22nd Maintenance Group commander's support staff assistant NCO in-charge, has always been a fast burner in her Air Force career.

After graduating from the University of West Virginia with a bachelor's in exercise physiology, Jones entered the Air Force Delayed Entry Program. After five months of waiting and working at a grocery store, she was shipped off to basic military training.

"I was completely burned out with school at the time," said Jones. "I knew I needed a break from it. I always thought about the Air National Guard, but after talking to my mom, she convinced me to go active duty."

Since enlisting, Jones has made the most of her time. As an airman 1st class, she received senior airman Below-the-Zone, allowing her to promote six months early.

"Going up to the board for BTZ was very intimidating," added Jones. "I knew some of the Airmen I was up against had done some great things. So I was very surprised when I found out that I got it."

As a senior airman, Jones tested for staff sergeant and received a line number on her first attempt. With the line number, she was able to get a seat in Airman Leadership School. Upon completion of ALS she was awarded the John L. Levitow Award, the highest award presented to the student who demonstrated the most outstanding leadership and academic performance.

"She's worked very hard at achieving her educational goals and gathered numerous accomplishments during her career," said Maj. Dale Williquette, 22nd Maintenance Squadron commander. "Her achievements did not happen overnight.  Since joining the Air Force she has worked very hard and sacrificed many things to achieve her goals."

Jones was recently selected for the Air Force's Medical Services Corps and will attend Commissioned Officer Training in March.

COT is a five week program for officers who will serve in the healthcare, legal or religious professions for the Air Force. The training is held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"I have always wanted to work in the medical field and found health care administration to be the most appealing sub-field, but that job is only found on the officer side," Jones added. "Working in health administration will give me the opportunity to help ensure our war fighters are physically ready and dependents have access to the health care they need."

"I think she will do extremely well at COT," Williquette added. "Her experience as an NCO, and having been through basic training before, will posture her for success. 

"The Air Force was very fortunate to have her as a part of the enlisted core," said Williquette. "Now we'll be even more fortunate to have her leading as an officer. The sky's the limit to where she can take her career in the Air Force."

Jones will have an Oath of Office ceremony during the first week of February to complete her commissioning process.