New member snapshot Published Aug. 17, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Amber J. Russell 459th Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Staff Sgt. Ashley Pope is the Snapshot Member of the month. The Maryland native comes to the 459th Aerial Evacuation Squadron as an evacuation aeromedical space technician. She hails from Dover Air Force Base where she served as an engineering apprentice at the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron. Pope said she came to the 459 ARW because she wants to cross over to the medical field, as it relates more to her civilian life. "My goals are to get my master's degree in public health within the next two years," she stated. "I want to study obesity and the causes of metabolic syndrome." Pope joined the Air Force Reserve in February 2008 and she has a three year old son. "At this point in my life I am focused on becoming a great mom," she explained. "My son is three years-old and he is very impressionable." Additionally, the motivated new Airman said she is fast-approaching transferring credits she has earned from her bachelor's degree toward a Community College of the Air Force degree in her current career field. She attributes balance as key to being successful in life, and said she wants to inspire others to understand this important concept. "Although it seems like life is difficult you can balance it all," Pope said. "I had my son while I was in college, joined the Reserve and graduated. If there is something that you want to do there is no reason why you cannot do it." The 459th Air Refueling Wing Welcomes its newest member!