Square D Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Leonard

  • Published
  • By 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Name and rank: Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Leonard

Unit: 351st Air Refueling Squadron

Duty title: Squadron Aviation Resource Management NCO in charge

Time in service: 9 years, 6 months

Time at Mildenhall: 3 years, 6 months

Hobbies:  CrossFit, sports, mountain biking, painting, reading and game nights.

Core value portrayed: Service Before Self

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
We're all here to support the U.S. and its missions, but what some may not see is how much the Air Force can mold you into an amazing citizen. Working with people of such high caliber creates an unstoppable force of professionals who I am proud to call my brothers and sisters in arms. Nothing is more important than having a back-breaking family that will do anything to support and defend our country.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
The things I am most proud of are seeing the Airmen I've had a chance to mentor/supervise grow and become phenomenal members of the Air Force. A lot of them are supervisors and leaders in some aspect now using those same tools to mentor/supervise their own Airmen. It's a really satisfying feeling when you see your Airmen so driven to succeed and impact others.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?
Personally, I would like to get my master's degree in sports psychology within the next couple of years, and then pursue a doctorate's. Professionally, I would like to use my career/personal experience to branch into the first sergeant world. Making master sergeant first time would be nice too!

What is your favorite part of your job?
Interacting with the aircrew day-to-day is something I actually really like. They may ask for a lot when you're already doing so much, but these are the same people who would help you with anything you need without hesitation. Knowing you can count on everyone makes all the time and manpower put into ensuring the safety and readiness of the aircrew totally worth it.

How does the individual portray that core value?
"Tech. Sgt. Leonard exemplifies all three of the Air Force core values," said Master Sgt. Shelley Wilson, 351st ARS current operations flight superintendent. "For this instance, I would like to focus on the core value of service before self. Tech. Sgt. Leonard has exemplified this core value by her unwavering dedication to the mission. She is responsible for ensuring 128 aircrew members remain combat mission ready. Despite a 60 percent manning shortage, and extremely high operations tempo, she has gone above and beyond. She has sacrificed many nights and weekends to ensure the unit's mission is successful, and has always maintained a positive attitude."