23rd MDG Airman accompanies wing leadership to D.C.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  An Airman from the 23rd Medical Group recently accompanied top leaders of the 23rd Wing on a trip to meet with members of Congress and discuss topics affecting Moody.

This year, Senior Airman Amanda Goralski, 23rd MDG bioenvironmental engineering technician, went with Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd WG commander, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, 23rd WG command chief, and Capt. Stephen Colletti, 48th Rescue Squadron director of operations, to D.C., to visit the Senate and House of Representatives.

As a combat rescue officer and former pararescueman, Captain Colletti was able to present a unique perspective to the legislators.

Airman Goralski was chosen to represent the Airmen tier of the enlisted force structure. She also had to meet at least five criteria set by the wing's leaders.

"We had a very specific type of Airman in mind for who we wanted to accompany us," said Chief Parsons. "They had to be articulate, mature, present a professional image, have recent deployment experience and be from one of the states we had units in. Airman Goralski fit this description perfectly. "

During the trip, the group met the senator or military liaison from Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Florida since the 23rd WG is responsible for units in those states.

Just meeting the criteria wasn't enough. Airman Goralski's chain of command also had to submit a package including topics such as how she performs at her job and volunteer opportunities.

Another leader on base, Col. Mark Koppen, 23rd MDG commander, agreed with Chief Parsons' high opinion of her.

"We're always extremely proud when one of our Airmen is recognized for their tremendous accomplishments," Colonel Koppen said. "Airman Goralski is an incredibly sharp individual and very precise and diligent in her job. Her recent reenlistment, which I was proud to attend, will clearly benefit both the Air Force and her bioenvironmental career field."

Airman Goralski's future plans include a commission within her current career field. But until then she plans to make the most of current opportunities.

"It's almost unbelievable that I was chosen to go on this trip," said Airman Goralski, who is from Lamar County, Ga. "My unit got the word that our wing leadership was looking for someone and since I meet the criteria, we submitted a package. When I heard that I was chosen I was amazed.

"I thought traveling with Colonel Henderson and Chief Parsons might be a little nerve-wracking," she added. "Fortunately, it wasn't and they made me feel very comfortable and welcome."

Traveling with leadership provided Airman Goralski with a new learning experience as well.

"Getting to spend time with them was great because I got to hear different perspectives and points of view," she said. "Also I had never realized before how political dealing with military bases can be, but the senators and representatives were really concerned about how we are doing and our quality of life."

To show their appreciation for the legislators' support, Moody's wing leaders continued to thank them throughout the visit.

"Our senators and representatives do a lot for us so we always thank them for their support," said Chief Parsons. "In addition, we let them know what's going on around base, including our projects and priorities, and ask for their continued support.

"As military members, we work for our community and serve its citizens," he said. "We owe it to them to present a professional military image. Airman Goralski did a great job representing both Moody and the Air Force in D.C."

The trip concluded with a voluntary four-mile run around the National Mall and Memorial Parks area, which is located in D.C. and encompasses many monuments and memorials.