CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Yolandra Rodriguez is a Military Training Leader for 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 5, and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for a year and half.
As a military training leader she is the coordinator for the new Airman program which is a six week program that reinforces military customs and courtesies. She provides leadership, guidance and mentoring to new Airmen.
"I joined the Air Force because I wanted to have some life experiences but I needed structure," said Sergeant Rodriguez. "The Air Force provided me the opportunity to be my own person while still being able to have an excellent support system."
Sergeant Rodriguez says she enjoys her position because she is able to have a positive influence on new airman. There are eight airmen in the program now and this small number permits her the opportunity to have a one on one relationship with them.
"Staff Sgt. Rodriguez is very dedicated in every task she takes on with our young student airman," said Master Sgt. Michelle McMeekin, 373 TRS, Det 5 NCO in charge of the commanders support staff. "She takes excellent care of them, from leading their physical training, to conducting uniform and dorm inspections." "She really cares about them and this makes her an exceptional training leader."