ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Professional Profile: Airman 1st Class Shelby C. Wiggins

Place of Birth: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Air Force Experience: 1 year

Unit of Assignment: 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron


What is your job on Robins AFB and how does it contribute to the mission?

As an active member of the vehicle operations shop, I ensure the safe and efficient transportation of personnel, air crew members, distinguished visitors, cargo and heavy equipment. Without transportation, many key mission-essential operations would not be able to occur.

When is a time that you had to show 'Courage, Character, Commitment' for the mission?

There are times in our career field when we must improvise due to the sporadic driving of other individuals on the roads, so I have had to learn to be brave and confident in my skills. Though I have not yet gotten the chance to deploy, our job can be dangerous in overseas locations and I am anxious to get to show my dedication to my country by putting myself in that situation where courage is a requirement. Commitment to both this base and the surrounding community through extra duty and community volunteer work takes up much of my time I could be spending with my family, but this area has grown to be very important to me and I am glad to serve it.

Who is a woman that has inspired you and why?

Since the day that I arrived on station, I have been truly inspired by Master Sgt. Joleen McCollister without whom our shop would be a much less efficient place. On a daily basis, she shows us what leadership should be and teaches us how to shape ourselves to one day be just as inspiring. From her, I have learned dedication to my career field, how to balance work life with family life, and what an honor it truly is to be a woman in the U.S. Air Force


If you could give any advice to future women warriors, what would it be?

We live in a time where work is scarce in the outside world so we are all so fortunate to wear this uniform every day. I would tell future women warriors that they should always remember that and feel blessed for it. I would also let them know that they have both a voice and a family of Airmen who are always willing to listen. If women are ever in a situation that makes them uncomfortable, they should know that any time they see an individual in uniform, they are looking at a friend.