LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Name: Staff Sgt. Denise Miller
Squadron: 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron
Time in Service: Nine years
Time with the 944th Fighter Wing: Six months
Civilian Job: Stay at home mom
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Hobbies: Stand up paddle boarding, traveling, hiking, woodworking, refinishing furniture
Home-life: Husband, Omar, and son, Jonas, 11 months old
Why did you join the Air Force Reserve?
I come from a family of service members and have always felt a sense of duty to serve. After working for years in a career field that was not fulfilling, I decided it was time to do more meaningful work that would allow me to serve others, rather than just myself. It was a terrifying and exciting decision that ended up being one of the best ones I have ever made.
How does your job support the mission of the 944th Fighter Wing?
I will be cross-training as a medical technician and will ultimately assist with providing care, staging, and movement of patients worldwide. While waiting for school, I perform administrative, technology equipment management, and facilities functions that support deployment readiness for all ASTS members.
If you were on a deserted island…..?
I would collect about 20 coconuts and then take the first week to pretend I am on vacation and enjoy the sunshine, the salty air, and the sound of the waves. Then, I would grab my signal mirror, machete, and tarp (these scenarios always let you bring three things, right?) and get down to the business of survival and rescue.