An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Fairchild's Finest; Staff Sgt. Wanda McCarthy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sean Campbell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Rank / Name: Staff Sgt. Wanda McCarthy

Unit of assignment: 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Duty title: Supply Quality Assurance / Individual Protective Equipment Supervisor Augmentee

Home town and state: Camarillo, California

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild AFB?
I am currently augmented to Individual Protection Equipment. I am looking through all of the programs and seeing how we can make any of our processes better and more efficient. I am also a squadron lead Physical Training Leader and sit on our squadron booster club council.

What do you enjoy about your job?
For QA, I like making sure Airmen are being provided quality training and sections are taking pride in their contribution to our mission. From the IPE augmented stand point, I enjoy helping them clean up the section one process at a time.

Why did you choose to serve in the military?
At the time when I made the decision it was because I was in a hard spot paying for college. Now that it is taken care of, I choose to continue my service because I love the lifestyle, the Air Force Family and what I do every day.

Family: I have spent two wonderful years married to my husband, Brett McCarthy, who works on the Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape side. He has two young daughters (Molly 12 and Maddy 6) who are visiting their mother in England right now. We just got two of my nieces (Bry 16 and Ary 11) out of foster care in July of this year who will stay with us permanently, and if that wasn't enough, we have two dogs (Shelby and Fathead).

How long have you been in the military?
I just passed my nine year mark. I can't believe it's almost been a decade.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My last Airman received Senior Airman below the zone and made Staff Sergeant the first time, and deserved it.

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild AFB?
Personally, I want to complete my Community College of the Air Force degree, course 15 and make Tech Sergeant.

What are your hobbies?
Hanging out with friends and going wine tasting. I also enjoy jogging, or taking our dogs out for a long walk during sunsets. I'm really trying to get the kids excited about hiking and bicycling but hopefully we can start that next summer.

What is your best habit?
Having a positive attitude, I don't get mad very easily but when I do, I get over it quickly and move on from there.

What is your favorite quote?
It's from Robert Frost. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." It's always what I think about when I get down or need to make a hard decision because it's those hard choices that I've chosen that has made all the difference.

What are your favorite movies?
Pretty much anything with Bruce Willis in it.

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her?
I've had many but one was Mrs. Fussell from Nellis AFB and she taught me the serenity prayer. Help me know the difference!

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why?
My paternal grandparents. They took me in when they didn't have too when I was 13, they tried raising me with morals and to become a decent person but passed away before ever seeing how I turned out. I just want that time to show them and say thank you.