Helping Airmen down the right path Published Dec. 7, 2007 By Tyler Hemstreet Staff writer MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Airmen can put themselves through a very stressful decision making process when it comes to the choice of staying in the Air Force or getting out. McChord's career assistance advisor Master Sgt. Tammy Wagendorf, 62nd Mission Support Squadron, is working to make that process a bit easier for individuals. "My job is to help Airmen make an informed decision about their career so they don't make a hasty choice," said Sergeant Wagendorf, who took over the special duty position in September, transferring over from the 62nd Medical Group. "I try to be the facilitator to get them down the right path." Finding the correct path can mean helping Airmen generate a pros and cons list for getting out, painting a picture of the many benefits an Air Force career holds for them or answering questions about cross- or retraining into a different career field, Sergeant Wagendorf said. "When they come to that fork in the road, I want to show them the positives of staying in the military," she said. The process of coming to a final decision for some can be an emotional journey. "It's a lot of empathizing with them," Sergeant Wagendorf said. "I try and tie a lot of my own personal experiences in the conversation when I talk with them. I understand where they're coming from." It's that caring attitude and desire to help that makes her an exceptional asset to the 62nd Airlift Wing and the Air Force, said Lt. Col. Rhonda Larson, 62nd MSS commander. "Her enthusiasm and focus make her perfect to reach our Airmen at career decision points," Colonel Larson said. "She has great people skills and she has a true desire to contribute to the Air Force mission and to assist others in doing the same." By addressing concerns about what viable career the Airman will consider in the civilian world and what kind of health insurance and child care will be available to them once they leave the military, Sergeant Wagendorf helps Airmen get an honest opinion about what they're options are, she said. "I want them to be able to leave my office saying to themselves, 'I didn't know the Air Force could help me with that'", Sergeant Wagendorf said. In addition to advising individual Airmen, Sergeant Wagendorf also gives career briefings at the First Term Airmen Center and different squadrons. "I love helping people," she said. "It's a great way to give back. I can really make a difference."