Member Spotlight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Russell Ford
  • 459 ARW Public Affairs
Andrews AFB, MD --  Being a chaplain's assistant requires the ability to look beyond oneself, to show compassion and dedication and to bring peace to pandemonium. Along with showing understanding to people from very different religious backgrounds, it takes confidence to manage, implement and support processes essential to executing Air Force Chaplain Service's core processes. Newcomer Senior Amn. Erin McCormick, 459th Air Refueling Wing chaplain assistant shows she has a heart for love and mind for business that the 459th ARW is proud to acknowledge.

Prior to joining the 459th ARW, Senior Amn. McCormick served on active-duty at Barksdale Air Force Base for one year. She was enrolled in the Palace Chase Program that was put in place to decrease active-duty numbers. Determined to continue serving her country, she enlisted with the Air National Guard and worked with the 203rd Red Horse Civil Engineering Squadron, Virginia Beach.

Outside of drill weekends, she applies her generosity, love and management skills to her two-year old daughter and to her furry clientele at Heart Strings Pet Lodging and Spa. In her civilian capacity, Senior Amn. McCormick is a self-employed dog groomer.

"Getting a college degree is important, but it also depends on what you want to do and where you want to go," she said. "PetSmart is a wonderful place to start for someone interested in dog grooming. They educate you at no cost. I now have my own business with two employees whom I continue to learn from," said Senior Amn. McCormick.

When she is not busy supporting her fellow wing members, running her business or pursuing her educational goals, Senior Amn. McCormick volunteers with a local animal shelter to find homes for stray cats and dogs. Additionally, she enters her horse and dog, a Chinese Crested named Gypsy Rose, into show and grooming competitions.

The abilities this Airman displays to multi-task, show compassion, and make the most of opportunities displays that she is "Member Spotlight" worthy.