Fairchild’s Finest: Staff Sgt. Michelle Malinao

Staff Sgt. Michelle Malinao, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician, takes a patient’s blood pressure June 18, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Malinao oversees the mental health element, schedules patient appointments and ensures all patients are getting the best possible treatment from the clinic and flight, her leadership selected her as one of Fairchild’s Finest, a weekly recognition program that highlights top-performing Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

Fairchild's Finest: Staff Sgt. Michelle Malinao

Published June 18, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Rank/Name: Staff Sgt. Michelle Malinao

Unit of assignment: 92nd Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Clinic

Nominee's duty title: Mental Health Technician

Hometown: Manila, Philippines

What do you do on a daily basis at Fairchild AFB?
I oversee the mental health element. I schedule patient appointments, assist providers with coordination of patient care services, conduct patient counseling, accomplish pre- and post-deployment briefings, administer psychological testing and ensure all patients are getting the best possible treatment from the clinic and flight.

What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy helping patients and knowing I can help them through their toughest times.

Why did you choose to serve in the military?
For job security and education.

How long have you been in the military? Four years

What goals do you want to achieve or meet while at Fairchild AFB?
I would like to get my Community College of the Air Force degree and finish all Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program pre-requisite.

Hobbies: Reading, cooking and playing with my daughter.

Your best habit: Smiling.

Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from him/her?
Tech. Sgt. Amy Steward, she inspired me to become a good Airman. She taught and held me to the highest standards. She helped me learn and develop specific skills and knowledge that I could apply to my job as a mental health technician.

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why?
My dad, because I haven't seen him since I left the Philippines nine years ago.

What others are saying about this week's Fairchild Finest:
"Malinao makes patient care her number one priority by taking pride in her job and in helping others get the assistance they need." --Master Sgt. Joshua Berger, 92nd MDOS mental health flight chief.