GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Cobras are some of the world’s most venomous snakes, but at Goodfellow Air Force Base, it is a symbol of the health and welfare provided by the 17th Medical Group. From hearing tests to analyzing disease trends, the 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron’s public health Cobras do it all.
Senior Airman Jennifer Lopez, 17th OMRS public health technician, flies high above the standard to ensure the health of all members of the 17th Training Wing.
Lopez dedicates herself to developing her and her wingmen into multi-capable Airmen who exemplify the Air Force core value of Excellence in All We Do. Her duties include protecting service members across the base from various illnesses and diseases by minimizing health risks within the Goodfellow community.
“Despite being new to Goodfellow, Senior Airman Lopez is working on programs that non-commissioned officers or senior-NCOs at other bases are in charge of,” said Lt. Col. Jeremiah Johnson, 17th OMRS public health flight commander. “Because Lopez is an experienced person in our flight, I’ve put a lot of expectations on her and she has risen to meet the challenge.”
Lopez’s drive does not stop at the end of the duty day, she continues to establish a relationship between Goodfellow and the local community through volunteer opportunities. On Sept. 29, Lopez led a tour of the 17th MDG, showing more than 13 possible recruits from a local high school different jobs they might be eligible for through enlistment in the Air Force.
The tour stopped at multiple places on base to include the 17th Security Forces Squadron K-9 unit, the Department of Defense Louis F. Garland Fire Academy, and the 17th Medical Group.
“This tour was an amazing opportunity,” said Lopez. “Instead of just going to basic training and then waiting until graduation to see their job, this gives recruits the chance to have a hands-on experience and interact with people who do the job every day, giving them a leg up as they enter the Air Force.”
Since the beginning of COVID-19, the Air Force has seen a decrease in the recruitment numbers. This new enriched relationship between the 17th TRW and the local recruiting office gave Lopez a chance to not only engage with the local community, but to inspire potential Airmen.
“My goal is to motivate the next generation of Airmen to carry out the mission and make it a better force,” said Lopez. “I want to show motivation, resiliency, and courage to step up to the plate..”
Lopez’s actions showcase an Airman's potential impact on the Air Force's future regardless of rank, position, or career field.