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Palau native recognized for hard work, volunteerism

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Watching her husband and his journey through the military gave Senior Airman Shelley Walton, 36th Force Support Squadron force management technician, a goal to aim toward. 

Two years after enlisting, Airman Walton has a firm grip on her goals, and for that, she was selected by Master Sgt. Kelly Halferty, 36th FSS and 36th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, as a 'Top Performer.' 

Airman Walton, a native of Koror, Palau, enlisted in the Air Force May 8, 2007. 

"I wanted to join the Air Force because I like the discipline that it has, and of course for college and to travel," Airman Walton said. "I wanted to do something for myself." 

In her day-to-day job, Airman Walton handles enlisted and officer performance report evaluations. She is also active as a member of the base honor guard, Air Force Sergeants Association and other base organizations. 

"Whatever time I have free after that, I try to help the First Four as well, but not as often as I would like to," Airman Walton said. 

Airman Walton also makes an effort to squeeze education into her busy schedule. 

"So far, I've taken six classes toward my [Community College of the Air Force] degree," she said. 

Though she hasn't quite made a decision on what type of degree she wants to pursue, Airman Walton has set her sights on several short-term goals for the future. 

"I want to get my CCAF [degree] before I'm eligible to go to [Airman Leadership School]," Airman Walton said. "I [also] want to make [staff sergeant] my first time because I am testing next year." 

Airman Walton's hard work on and off duty doesn't go unnoticed by her peers or superiors. 

"Airman Walton sets the example for her peers here in the [military personnel flight] as well as on base," said Master Sgt. Michelle Kern, 36th FSS force management superintendent. "She is an outstanding Airman and definitely deserving of this recognition for her professionalism, her dedication and commitment to her job and her willingness to excel." 

Being noticed for raising the bar within her unit is something Airman Walton said she appreciates. 

"It feels great!" she said. "This is a job I'm doing [well] that I'm getting paid to do and [my efforts] are getting recognized."