Senior Airman Rachel Heath of the 377th Medical Group at Kirtland AFB has received an Outstanding Airmen of the Year award. This honor makes her one of twelve airmen nationwide to receive the coveted award. Airmen are chosen based on their exceptional job performance and leadership skills.
Heath says she was "defiantly shocked and super excited! This award is where they pick their twelve from all across the Air Force. It was a little nerve-wracking. I didn't realize the full scope of the award. There are multiple levels to compete in at your squadron."
In her new ambassador role, she will assist with recruiting and retention in the Air Force. She will also work with Chief Master Sergeant David Slosi. She can elevate lower- level issues up the ranks and relay policies and information to lower- level airmen. Heath will also get to work with Major Air Command, which is made up of eleven different Air Force Bases.
Heath enlisted in the Air Force when she was 23 years old. She began her work in medical records, moved to budgeting, and now works in the resource management office tracking data for employees, including active duty, military, and civilians. Her father suggested she would be great in a medical administrator role like this. Heath says, "I am very thankful. I love numbers, excel sheets, and data."
She was raised in a military family and both sides of her family served in various branches. When it came time to decide, Heath felt the Air Force was the best fit for her. "I wanted to meet that family legacy." Another big draw for her was having a stable career with job security and good benefits.
Heath received her bachelor's degree in accounting from Georgia Southern University. This past summer, she completed her MBA from the American Military University. One of her biggest challenges was juggling school and work. "Toward the end of last year there was a lot going on in the work world. I was running a 20-million dollar budget by myself. I had to teach myself a lot. I doubled up my class load to finish my MBA earlier and was elected to Council President for Airmen all in a three-month span. It was very stressful." Even though it was intense, she was grateful for the learning experience. She learned about time management, delegating, and asking others for help
The airman will celebrate her fourth year at Kirtland and her fourth year in the Air Force in November. She says, "Coming to Kirtland in Albuquerque, I have absolutely loved my time here. The people are great, and there is a lot going on in town." Heath was accepted to the Department of the Air Force Officer Training School and will train at Maxwell Airforce Base in Alabama this summer. Heath says she will miss Albuquerque but is excited to become a commissioned officer. She says, "I want to make sure I do it well, do it right, and lead the people under me well."
Heath already has leadership experience as Council President for ACE or Airmen Committed to Excellence. In her leadership role, she works with lower-enlisted airmen and mentors them. Heath is also the Med Group Booster Club President and is involved in event planning and activities to boost morale.
Growing up in a military lifestyle was something Heath wanted to continue. She says, "I thought I wouldn't be good enough and I would just marry another person in the military to stay in the military lifestyle." Now her advice to other women who want a military career is to seek out women in the military with plenty of experience, get their point of view, and learn from them. She says, "Don't feel like you are doing it on your own. Just do it. Trust yourself and your abilities. Basic training will prepare you. So take the step and just do it."
Heath says she was “defiantly shocked and super excited! This award is where they pick their twelve from all across the Air Force.