Team Mildenhall sergeant is recognized for leadership

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Leadership looks to the heroes of the past to celebrate the Airmen of today, and encourage the Airmen of tomorrow. Team Mildenhall recognizes its brightest stars and an Airman was nominated for The Lance P. Sijan U.S. Air Force Leadership Award for exemplifying the meaning of leadership.

“The Lance P. Sijan U.S. Air Force Leadership Award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted leaders who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and the conduct of their lives,” said Col. John Howard, 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander. “The Sijan Award was created in 1981 and over time it's become one of the U.S. Air Force's most prestigious awards. Sijan, an Air Force captain and fighter pilot, died as a POW in Vietnam. Prior to his capture, the U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and posthumous Medal of Honor recipient evaded the North Vietnamese for six weeks after being shot down in November 1967.”

Of the many men and women serving at RAF Mildenhall, the nominee for the junior enlisted category was Staff Sgt. Marissa Munguia, 100th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster.

“It was humbling to find out I earned the nomination for the 100th ARW,” Munguia said. “I was thankful to my leadership who thought I was deserving of such a nomination.”

Her leadership is proud of what their Airman does each and every day.

“Even as her new flight chief, I recognized Sgt. Munguia’s natural leadership abilities. She is a peerless leader and as her reach grows, so will her impact on our Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Shemika Thompson, 100th OSS weather flight chief. “She makes our office and this unit better!”

The weather affects everyone, but for the pilots taking to the skies each day to defend their country, the weather could mean life or death. Her job is demanding, but Munguia appreciates each day she serves.

“A typical day for a weather forecaster at the 100th OSS consists of a hectic morning as we brief each 351st Air Refueling Squadron crew that is due to fly for the day,” Munguia said. “We also collaborate with the 48th Fighter Wing weather forecasters, the 352nd Special Operations Wing weather forecasters, and the forecasters at the 21st Operational Weather Squadron, in Ramstein, Germany, to decide what the weather forecast for the day should include.”

The variety in the work could be stressful, but she rises to the challenge.

“We issue weather watches, warnings and advisories throughout the day and relay significant weather impacts to pilots, aircraft maintainers and basically anyone who may be affected by the potential weather for the day,” Munguia said. “I really enjoy the forecasting. When you spend the day looking at charts, satellite images and weather models to figure out what weather is going to happen and exactly at what time. It’s sort of like a puzzle that you have to put together.”

Being a well-rounded Airman makes her ‘Ready, Balanced, Better.’ While completing her daily mission, she makes the most of her overseas assignment.

“Living in England has brought out the traveler in me,” Munguia said. “My husband and I love to travel and experience new places and cultures.”

The person she is today, including her strong work ethic, is due to someone very dear to her.

“My biggest influence in my life was my dad,” Munguia said. “I grew up with a single dad who worked hard day in and day out to make ends meet. He usually came home tired after a long day’s work, but he always had a smile on his face and he always made sure I was taken care of. I am where I am today due to the values that he bestowed on me.”

Wanting to make her father proud, Munguia embarked on a career that would change her life.

“The Air Force has offered me opportunities that an 18-year-old California girl who signed on the dotted line never even imagined were possible,” she added. “I have traveled to 20 different countries, some for leisure and some for work. But that would have never been possible without joining the military. The Air Force has taught me how to be an effective leader through training and through real life experiences. I have met so many inspirational people and made countless friendships in the past seven and a half years.”

The Sijan Award recognizes the leaders of the future. This Airman looks to achieve not only her own dreams, but helps others achieve theirs.

“When I retire and look back, I hope to have been a good wife, friend, mentor and Airman,” Munguia said. “I hope to have influenced people in a good way, in the way that many have influenced me and pushed me to be the best I can be.”

For now, the weather forecaster enjoys waking up, putting on her uniform with pride and being thankful she chose to go above and beyond and do something she was unfamiliar with.

“I was the first one in my family to join the military and leave home,” Munguia reflected. “I didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t until I was already in the military that I realized I was part of something bigger than that, and I have never looked back.”