CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Maintenance Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony July 21 here.
Maj. Sara Huiss, who was previously the squadron's operations officer, replaced Maj. George Unsinger. Major Unsinger will retire from the Air Force after 26 years of service.
Major Huiss claims Tucson, Ariz., as her hometown, but has lived in many places while growing up as a military child before joining the Air Force. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University in 1997 and later acquired a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado in 2000.
During her first assignment to Charleston AFB in 2002, Major Huiss was in charge of an aircraft maintenance unit with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. In 2005, she left and went to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Bethesda City, Md., but rejoined Team Charleston in July 2007 as part of the 437 MXS.
"This is my second tour at Charleston and I was so excited to hear the news," said Major Huiss. "I love the area, I love the base and the mission is second to none."
As the new commander of the 437 MXS, she says her initial plans include getting through the operational readiness inspection and to continue a "back to basics" approach with maintenance. She expects 437 MXS Airmen to give their best effort to every job and to continue looking for ways they can do their jobs more efficiently.
"People put their lives into the hands of aircraft mechanics every day -- we can't afford to cut corners in our business," said Major Huiss.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I've only been a maintenance officer for three-and-a-half years. I came into the Air Force as an acquisitions officer and spent eight years working on command and control, space, satellite and intelligence programs. I came into maintenance through the Acquisitions Logistics Experience Exchange Tour program in 2002 and went back to acquisitions in 2005. In 2007, I changed my core Air Force specialty code from acquisitions to aircraft maintenance.
What is your favorite movie?
"Sense and Sensibility" -- it's just a great love story.
What is your major pet peeve?
People who say "I can't." Many times when people have asked me to do something, I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but I know I will find a way. I want to hear solutions.
Who is your favorite author?
Dr. Seuss -- I have a 2- and a 3-year old, so that is all the reading I get to do these days.
What is your favorite quote?
"Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals." -- Zig Zigler
Why did you join the Air Force?
I can't think of a more noble profession than our military. In high school I almost joined the Navy, but my dad wouldn't let me enlist which is a great thing because I get really sea-sick.
I went off to college and was offered a scholarship through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps my sophomore year. I came into the military thinking I would only serve my four-year commitment, but now I can't imagine doing anything else.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I like to think I take more of a director's role. I like to give direction and then get out of the way. I know I'm proactive, strong-willed and not afraid to stand up for what I think is right.
Who is your role model and why?
My husband because he's done amazing things for our country, the Air Force and the C-17 community, and has managed to do it all with a smile on his face. I can't think of a better best friend and role model.