Grand Forks SNCO awarded 2014 Visionary Leadership Award

Published Oct. 15, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Bonnie Grantham
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Senior Master Sgt. Shae Alamo, 319th Medical Group Superintendent, was recently awarded the 2014 General Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award October 7.

The Gen. Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award was created in 2012 to honor retired Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught who was the first woman to be promoted to the position of a general officer in the comptroller field.

In order to receive the award, an individual must exhibit innovation, commitment, and a selfless spirit of service while being inspiring to others. The recipient must also show efforts to integrate women into the Air Force by improving opportunities for them.

"It's an honor to receive this award," said Alamo. "I feel privileged to represent the base, the Air Mobility Command, and the Expeditionary Center."

Col. Paul Smith, 319th MDG commander, said Alamo epitomizes the qualities and characteristics recognized by the Gen. Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award.

"Her selfless spirit of service and her inspiration to others have quickly marked her as a key leader and outstanding superintendent here in the medical group," he said. "This recognition of her contributions to the integration of and improving opportunities for women in the Air Force is an acknowledgment to what she's doing to ensure the men and women wearing our uniform are all seen as Airmen."

Alamo said she believes it is important to listen to her Airmen. She said listening to young Airmen is what helps keep the Air Force modern and relevant. It wouldn't have been possible for her to be where she is in her career if not for her Airmen guiding her and presenting her with leadership opportunities, she said.

"My leadership has been given to me by Airmen and NCOs," said Alamo. "You don't get an award on your own. The Airmen, big 'A', have made me successful."

She also mentioned her mentor, Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, 7th Air Force command chief master sergeant, is who she turns to when she needs advice.

"She guided me and mentored me to be the best Airman I could be," said Alamo. "I seek her out for all kinds of advice."

While Alamo consistently replied humbly when asked about her qualifications and achievements for this award, others who have worked with her in the past were quick to point out what makes her so qualified for this recognition.

"Alamo is the most professional senior NCO that I've met in my 16 years in the Air Force," said Maj. Thomas Oziemblowsky, 319th Force Support Squadron commander.

He explained Alamo worked in the 319th FSS until she was chosen to fill the chief master sergeant position she currently holds in the 319th MDG. He said that she was chosen for the position in a career field outside of her expertise based on her outstanding leadership skills.

Alamo's advice to young Airmen striving to be successful in their Air Force career is it is important to take chances and learn new things.

"Be willing to take the challenge to get outside of your comfort zone," said Alamo. "If you don't get outside of your comfort zone, you can get stuck in a rut. Challenge yourself to be bigger and better than just yourself."