PACAF, Annual award winner recognized as Team Andersen's 'Top Performer'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  A noncommissioned officer from the 36th Medical Support Squadron recently took home the 2008 NCO of the Year award for the 36th Wing, as well as Pacific Air Forces' 2008 Health Plans Management NCO of the Year award. 

Those achievements make Staff Sgt. Jamie Brewer, TRICARE Service Center NCO-in-charge, a noteworthy candidate for recognition as Team Andersen's "Top Performer." 

Sergeant Brewer joined the Air Force in 1999 and has been previously assigned to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. She has also deployed twice to Balad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

"Being recognized as one of Andersen's top performers is awesome!" Sergeant Brewer said. "However, I realize after winning this award a lot more will be expected of me. I had no intention of joining the military, but the Air Force recruiter was in the right place at the right time ... and here I am. I enjoy moving around and the Air Force has taken me to some great places. I push myself to the extreme, so I can't say that I've accomplished all of my goals ... yet." 

Sergeant Brewer oversees all programs in TRICARE, including medical evaluation board cases and scheduling aerovac appointments for patients needing medical care outside of Guam. 

She has put together several programs which have saved money for the Air Force, said Capt. Richard Palmer, TRICARE operations and patient administration flight commander. By allotting personnel a set amount of money to get to and from appointments while on medical temporary duty, she's helped save thousands of dollars.
However, her dedication isn't just limited to her work. She actively volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and fervently pursues her education goals. 

"My goals for this year are to complete my [Community College of the Air Force] degree and my bachelor's degree in healthcare management," the Marietta, Okla., native explained. "My mid-range goals for the next three to five years are to complete a bachelor's in science, a master's in physician assistant studies and to become an Air Force physician's assistant. I have an itch for trauma, so my ultimate goal is to find a cure for that itch." 

Despite a very busy schedule, she finds plenty of time to enjoy her favorite activity outside of work, education and volunteerism - spending time with her 7-year-old daughter, Deja. 

"The sky is the limit in the eyes of a 7- year- old," Sergeant Brewer said. "Every day is a new adventure." 

Sergeant Brewer's tireless worth ethic and drive to succeed has earned her much respect from her peers and co-workers. 

"She juggles so many high-profile programs - aerovac, MEBs, alternate care, plus her duties as NCOIC," said Master Sgt. Daryl Poe, TRICARE operations and patient administration flight NCOIC. "For her to be able to balance all those tasks and everything she does after duty hours, is just amazing. It's amazing she can do that much and still stay focused. She's the best NCOIC I've ever had work for me."