Airmen of the Burgh: Senior Airman Meade

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marjorie A. Bowlden
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Pittsburgh IAP ARS --  As a knowledge operations specialist with the 911th Airlift Wing Maintenance Operations Flight, Senior Airman Valen Meade has duties similar to those of a personnel specialist. Her duties include processing orders and managing anything with personally identifiable information.

Meade is from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. She joined the Air Force Reserve straight out of high school in June 2011 and has been a member of the 911th AW ever since. However, she has found that her reason for joining and her reasons for staying are now very different.

"At first, it was for school," she said. "But then, once I started to get into it, I really enjoyed it. I liked the whole idea of travelling and defending your country."

Meade said her favorite part of the job is the people she works with. She enjoys the company of her coworkers and other members of her shop.

"They're friendly, and they're very helpful," she said.

On the civilian side, Meade has been working at a local McDonalds for four years. She's also a double major in college, studying psychology and business, and wants to become an occupational therapist. She serves as a peer leader at her college and also volunteers at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.

She also avidly watches movies. Among her favorites are "Remember the Titans," "Save the Last Dance" and "Grease."