Senior NCO stays one step ahead of the weather

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Recently, Master Sgt. Kimberly Hayes, 7th Operations Support Squadron weather flight chief, was recognized as the 2013 Air Combat Command Weather Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the year, an award that is given to the most outstanding senior enlisted Airman that conducts weather support for Air Force operations.

Hayes is grateful for the opportunity to be recognized by her career field's senior leaders.

"It is a major accomplishment to have won this award," Hayes said. "In winning this award, I have shown that I am able to excel above my peers, and I will now compete at the Air Force level."

As a Senior NCO in the weatherflight, Hayes leads Airmen while managing goals, assets, processes and programs. She tends to the mission as well as the most important asset; the people.

"The people and mission are linked so closely that they really become one; the true balance involves attending to both at the same time," Hayes said.

When thinking of the weather career field, Hayes said you must keep in mind their job isn't just to keep Team Dyess informed on what is to come, as a regular weather channel can do. Instead, the weather flight, "exploits the weather for battle."

"Air Force Weather plays an integral part in the mission," said Hayes. "In particular, weather is used in the decision making of senior leaders for Airmen on the ground and in the air. Once operational risk management is applied, the mission commander will make a decision of whether or not to go ahead with the mission. Each mission is unique and has different weather requirements to ensure its success."

Along the way, Hayes has had mentors, such as Chief Master Sgt. Christopher McKinney from the 33rd Operations Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

"Some of the best advice I was given was to not stress and worry over things you have no control of," Hayes said. "This works in situations that are positive or negative. If you are unable to change or adjust to a situation or event, worrying about it will not make it better, worse or go away. Focus on those aspects that you do have some control over and the rest will follow."

Since winning the award, Hayes has left Dyess and has gone onto a new assignment as the superintendent of the meteorology lab at the Air Force Academy, where she instructs cadets in the classroom and laboratory.

"I will continue putting forth the same effort as I have in the past and wish to continue broadening my experience," said Hayes. "Now that I am at the Air Force Academy, I believe I will have many opportunities to do so."