Airmen support replaces “just another number”

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Terrance Hanley
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Air Force Reservists who travel far and near to attend drill training weekends throughout the country have to accomplish a month's worth of work in two days. Good customer service is vital throughout the Air Force Reserve due to limited time on duty. Customer service is an essential piece of a larger puzzle that keeps Air Force Reservists on the path to success. One Air Force Reservist, Staff Sgt. Lakeasha Johnson, 920th Mission Support Squadron personnelist, is a fine example of this very fact. Because of her expertise and affable personality, the career enhancement office, as well as the Air Force Reserve, is well represented. Sergeant Johnson, at the 920th Rescue Wing here let's us in on some of her secrets of perfection regarding outstanding customer service.

Questions and Answers with Staff Sgt. Lakeasha Johnson, 920th Career Enhancement Specialist:

Q1: When did you start your military career?
A1: I started in 1989, U.S. Navy. It was a good deal. I liked it a lot. I spent 10 years there.

Q2: What did you do in the Navy?
A2: Intelligence administration. A lot of security stuff. It was a good job.

Q3: Why cross into the blue?
A3: Actually, it was my intention to go into the Air Force on active duty, but the staff and I didn't really agree, so I just went next door and joined the Navy.

Q4: How did you come about getting your current position in the Career Enhancement Office?
A4: After I got out of the Navy, I went back home and between school, I wanted to find another career so I came across the air reserve technician position, which I learned about when I was at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. As an ART you have the best of both worlds, full-time federal civilian employment and you're still military, but you just don't have to move. I applied, and about a year later I got an offer at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., so I took it.

Q5: What about your job do you enjoy?
A5: I enjoy the fact that this gives me another aspect of learning about my career field because I was chief of customer service, so coming in to something that's brand new helps me get a good grip on my responsibilities. I always wanted to learn about military promotions so by me coming to the Career Enhancement Office, I get to look for the answers on my own. And with Master Sgt. Jon Green, all of his knowledge pours over on me, so it's a good deal.

Q6: What motivates you to have such good customer service?
A6: Actually, the folks who I work with are a great bunch of people, which makes me just want to do my best and go beyond. Actually Sergeant Green is the best supervisor. I always want to make sure I please him in every way. When you have a great team full of great people, it kind of makes it easier.

Q7: How does the great job you do influence the people and customers you deal with on a day-to-day basis?
A7: I always try to put my best foot forward and I like to treat people the way they treat me. When you give good customer service, the same folks will always come back and seek you out and wait for you if you are not there. It kind of makes me feel good. I put myself in their shoes, if I need help or assistance, how would I want to be treated? So that helps.

Q8: Does your personality go hand-in-hand with the customer service aspect of your job? Explain why or why not.
A8: I think so, but I'm quiet by nature so when somebody comes up to me the main thing I want to do is listen, and by me being quiet, I think I'm a good listener. I think that helps out a lot.

Q9: How do you handle those customers who are harder to deal with?
A9: First you have to take a real deep breath because nine times out of 10 when somebody comes in a little flustered its best to let them get whatever they want off their chest. You just sit back and let them get it all out and it's pretty much easier to deal with, but people come in and they just need to vent, and usually if you are that person, you have to let it pass.

Q10: For a new Airman coming into your career field, what advice would you give?
A10: Attention to detail. Personnelists are all about attention to detail. No matter what office you work in, you must pay attention. When it comes to getting promoted, you have to make sure that everything is in order because if it's not, then you are holding them up from advancing. So you always need to ensure you pay attention to detail - and you are a good listener.