First Sergeant’s dream

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  What started off as a forgettable experience for an Airman assigned to the 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., has lead to the achievement of a longtime goal.

Master Sgt. Melissa Hubbard entered the Air Force by way of the Delayed Entry Program. She completed Basic Training in Feb 1997. Like a majority of Airmen, she hated it.

After basic training Sergeant Hubbard went to technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, to become an Air Force Medic. She was given her first duty assignment to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., post clinical graduation.

"I was given the opportunity to work in Labor and Delivery, Newborn Nursery and Post Partum, which was rare for a 20 year old Airman First Class at that time," Sergeant Hubbard said. "I enjoyed my time at Scott AFB, not to mention having arguably one of the best shirts to ever wear the diamond, Master Sgt. (Ret) Frank Yunk-Arnold."

However, according to Sergeant Hubbard, she was ready to go home and spend time with her family, so after 4 years she left the Air Force, but soon realize this was a mistake.

"It took the tragedy of 9/11 to light a fire inside me again. I knew I was joining back up, but I wanted to do it differently this time," Sergeant Hubbard said. "I called an Air Force Reserve recruiter."

Sergeant Hubbard joined the 917th Medical Squadron at Barksdale AFB, applied for an Air Reserve Technician position, and was accepted.

"After 6 ½ years as an ART, I knew I wanted more," Sergeant Hubbard said. "I've always thought about being a first sergeant," As an ART, Sergeant Hubbard was ineligible to hold a position as a first sergeant.

"Fortunately, my husband encouraged me to pursue my Registered Nurse degree and resign my ART position," Sergeant Hubbard said. "I cross trained into another career field and became a traditional reservist."

When an email popped up in her inbox about first sergeant applications being accepted, she jumped at it.

Sergeant Hubbard prepared her package and application and provided it to the command chief. She sat through a detailed board selection and finally received the call.

"I remember it as if it were yesterday. 'Would you like to be a shirt? We want you to be a shirt.' YES! So off to First Sergeant Academy I went," Sergeant Hubbard said. "It was the best formal school I had ever attended."

According to Sergeant Hubbard, the road her career has taken has not always been a smooth one. Little did she know at the time of her enlistment, that her journey would lead her to a position few Airmen ever achieve ... First Sergeant.

"I have just realized a dream I've had for some time now. I'm a First Sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve," said Sergeant Hubbard, first sergeant, 307th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Other than my marriage and the birth of my son, this is the most amazing thing in my life I've accomplished."

"I was told that I would make lifelong friends and never forget my shirt life. I'm living proof those words are true," she said. "This is a wonderful opportunity and I am enjoying every moment of it! Knowing that I may shape my son's future by developing future leaders of the military is quite an amazing opportunity. In addition, knowing I may touch a life that needed a mentor, friend, or just an ear to lend is breathtaking in its own right. My career in a sense has just begun and I am excited to take this journey!"