I can save my own: interpersonal relationships

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Straight out of her technical school at Sheppard AFB, Texas, Airman 1st Class Heather Cheney, 25, recognized the importance of interpersonal relationships.

"As a single female living in the dorms it's a different life than what I'm used to. I turn 26 soon, and the majority of my friends are between 18 and 20. Most of them work in [Logistics Readiness Squadron's] fuels with me, and it's a very close knit family."

When asked about Airman Cheney's interpersonal relationship skills, Capt. Scott Sitterson, Fuels Management Flight Commander said, "The Fuels Management Flight is predominately (94%) male. This fact alone offers challenges for interpersonal relationships for a female. Airman Cheney has proven herself amongst her peers and become key to our team's high performance. She knows that her chain of command is dedicated to the mission and the people who make it happen."

Airman Cheney uses her life experiences in dealing with other Airmen. "Being older and more experienced in life I try to be a good example and mentor to the younger crowd I find myself surrounded with. I believe that interpersonal relationships are important in the Air Force family in keeping people accountable for their actions and keeping everyone safe."

Being able to effectively communicate and handle a variety of personalities is vital in keeping the mission on target. Captain Sitterson cannot afford to lose Airman Cheney because, "She is part of the team providing fuel to any and all aircraft that land on this airfield 24 hours a day 7days a week. She's an integral link to supplying fuel to support the mission. If she doesn't deliver fuel and I have no other resources, missions are delayed."

Airman Cheney brings a lot to the fight and is recognized for this. "I feel that I'm contributing to society and the Air Force as a whole by being a good friend to my brothers and sisters in the service and by building relationships that will last longer than my stay on Guam."