Air Transportation Instructor selected for INNERview

  • Published
  • By James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  INNERview is a special spotlight for members of Team Dobbins who don't always get recognized for their accomplishments on base and outside of the gates. If you would like to nominate someone, please call Public Affairs at (678) 655-5055 or email the editor at 94AW.PA@us.af.mil.

Master Sgt. Christine Jerde

Hometown: Anoka, Minn.
Years of Service: 20
Position: Air Transportation Instructor
Hobbies: Spending time with family whenever I can get back to "Minn-a-snowda." To relax, I enjoy reading a good book or taking in a new movie.

What does your job entail?
Providing quality instruction to air transportation personnel in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the people! We have such a wonderful staff. I truly enjoy meeting new aerial porters and preparing them to work and deploy in what I consider to be the best career field in the Air Force.

Have you ever deployed?
Yes. Seven times - three as a Supply Technician and four as an Aerial Porter.

What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a TPC instructor?
Become as well rounded in the air transportation career field as possible. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more and provide that knowledge to those less experienced. Taking time to mentor others gives back in more ways than can possibly be counted.

Tell us about a recent accomplishment of yours.
Becoming an instructor at the Transportation Proficiency Center.

What's your favorite movie?
There are so many! I couldn't possibly pick just one!!

What advice would you give someone who is interested in joining the military?
Do your research! Do not join passively. Know what you're getting into and what you want. Once you do, I would suggest finding someone who is actually serving in the branch of service you wish to join, and working in the career field which interest you. Ask them how they like it, what do they find to be the most and least rewarding aspects of the job and of serving in general.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I left active duty because I wanted to settle down and stop deploying. Now I find myself looking forward to the next opportunity to deploy so I can work with our younger Airmen and show them how truly important they are to this country.