BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- There’s a saying in the military where some service members will tell anyone who asks that they have the “best job in the military”. Whether or not that’s actually true is usually subjective to the speaker. But for one special person assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, that classic reply comes pretty close to being objectively true.
Staff Sgt. Reanna Chafin, a ground transportation supervisor here, seriously loves her job and is absolutely devoted to her craft.
Chafin comes from a rural background, and was originally interested in joining the security forces career field after studying criminal justice in college. However, vehicle operations caught her interest. It reminded her of how she grew up around large agricultural equipment alongside her father.
Chafin holds another duty position that sets her apart from the rest of her co-workers. She spends some of her time on duty with very important members of the National Guard, some of which have direct influence on service-wide policies. Chafin is often the “face” of the 117th Air Refueling Wing as she is among the first Airmen that distinguished visitors see when they arrive on base. She is the driver for all DV’s around the base, which includes colonels, generals and elected officials from across the state and nation. One would think this would lead to a significant amount of stress for a young Non-Commissioned Officer, but Chafin wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love all aspects of this job, literally from the memorandums I have to write, to the policy letters I have to get approved, driving DV’s around, to fork lift training, to driving the tractor trailer,” said Chafin “I cannot pick one.”
Chafin displays a true love for the job and the service that is often sorely needed in many workplaces across the globe. She takes pride in her position. She does her very best, no matter what tasks she may be working on.
“I feel like I have to earn my paycheck, if I feel like I didn’t earn today’s paycheck, I feel so bad,” said Chafin. “I would double up the next day or stay late.”
An unarguable asset to the mission and a textbook model of dedication for everyone who wears the uniform, Chafin embodies the type of positive attitude that makes any workplace a more effective one. Perhaps that’s all it really takes to make every job “the best job in the military”.