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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. – The United States Air Force is
home to some of the world's most motivated and dedicated
individuals. The Air Force's enlisted service is comprised of less
than one percent of the American population; individuals who are a
step above everyone else.
One such person is Senior Airman
Stephanie Iannapollo.
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Senior Airman Stephanie Iannapollo, 341st Medical Operation Squadron pediatric medical office manager, signs up a dodge ball team for the Aug. 29th dodge ball tournament
on August 12, 2015 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Iannapollo spends much of her free time volunteering to coordinate events with the Airman's Council to improve life for Airmen on base. (U.S. Air Force photo
by Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves)
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In the pediatrics office at the 341st Medical Operation
Squadron, Iannapollo greets everyone who walks to the
reception desk with a brilliant smile and a friendly, “Hi,
how can I help you?”
“She's very motivated,” said
Staff Sgt. Fenella Lynch, Iannapollo's previous supervisor
and co-worker. “She's always enthusiastic and always has a
positive outlook. She's a good mentor, even to me at times.”
Iannapollo joined the Air Force four years ago after
growing up in a lower-income household.
“My mom was
having another child and my sister was going to college the
following year,” said Iannapollo. “I didn't want to add to
my family's debt and started looking into joining the
military.”
After researching the military, she
decided to enlist as a candidate for open general.
“My family has served in our sister services but I am the
first female to join the Air Force,” said Iannapollo. “I
wanted to make an impact in the world and help others. I
also wanted to take advantage of the benefits that are
offered such as education."
To Iannapollo's surprise,
she was assigned to medical operations.
“Although
medical was not what I originally wanted, I came to
appreciate what I do as a health service manager,
specifically as a pediatric medical office manager,” said
Iannapollo. “I want to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse.
I plan to receive my degree then apply to the Nurse Enlisted
Commissioning Program. I want to have a challenging and
rewarding profession; a career that will make a difference
in someone's life.”
Iannapollo is not content to stop
at being just an exceptional Airman in the 341st MDOS.
“I am the Airman's Council event coordinator,” said
Iannapollo. “My mission as an event coordinator is to hold
events that Airmen want to and will participate in, increase
quality of life, provide volunteer opportunities, and help
Airmen with professional development.”
Iannapollo's
next big project with the Airman's Council is coordinating a
free dodgeball tournament Aug. 29, where Airmen can play
dodgeball together and eat free food provided by the Chief's
Council.
Iannapollo's dedication to ensuring her
fellow Airmen enjoy themselves here at Malmstrom is apparent
to those around her.
“My wife is an avid member of
several organizations around the base and nearly dedicates
all of her time to them,” said Staff Sgt. Dominic
Iannapollo, 341st MDOS. “She loves to give and make those
around her happy. She wants our Airmen to live fun, healthy
and stress free lives.”
Putting together an event
takes time and commitment. From reserving locations, asking
for sponsors, ensuring food will be available and
advertising the event to get Airmen participation;
Iannapollo does it all.
“It takes someone that's
dedicated and motivated,” said Lynch. “Not just any Airman
can do that job.”
She also manages the Malmstrom
Airman's Council Facebook page and posts about upcoming
events.
“Rest assured with Stephanie as the events
coordinator for the Airman's Council, she will give the
Airmen plenty of fun, free events to help relieve some
stress, build good healthy relationships with one another
and foster that wingman attitude we all rely on in the
United States Air Force,” said Dominic.
Iannapollo
hopes to re-enlist next year to continue to give motivation,
dedication and exceptional performance skills she has
perfected over the years to the Airmen who have taken the
oath to serve.
“I am committed to helping out in any
way,” said Iannapollo, “especially to those who have given
up their lives to the Armed Services and our nation, and
their families who have endured so much.”
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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