Air Force

Courtesy story by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Millington, Tenn. – U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashleigh Anne Champagnie, a native of Sunrise, Florida, serves alongside sailors at U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cub

Champagnie graduated from McArthur High School in 2014. Additionally, Champagnie earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources and marketing from Florida International University in 2017 and an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology from Community College of the Air Force in 2023.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Air Force

are similar to those found in Sunrise.

“One lesson I’ve carried with me is to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready,” said Champagnie. “It’s also something I keep hearing throughout my career. That statement keeps me proactive when it comes to putting in extra effort in my career.”

Champagnie joined the Air Force three years ago. Today, Champagnie serves as a biomed equipment specialist.

“I joined the Air Force to gain my citizenship and to travel around the world,” said Champagnie.

Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay provides health care to the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community, which consists of approximately 4,500 military members, federal employees, U.S. and foreign national contractors and their families. The hospital also operates the only overseas military home health care facility providing care to elderly special category residents who sought asylum on the installation during the Cuban Revolution.

Champagnie supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

Champagnie has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest achievement in the Air Force was earning honor graduate in Technical Training School while simultaneously holding four leadership roles,” said Champagnie. “This moment was a cornerstone in my career because it is a constant reminder that it is possible to be there for your wingmen and work on yourself at the same time.”

Champagnie can take pride in serving America through military service.

“For me, serving in the United States Air Force is a constant reminder that I’m a part of something bigger than myself,” said Champagnie.

Champagnie is grateful to others for making an Air Force career possible.

“I would want to thank my family for always encouraging and supporting me throughout this journey,” added Champagnie.

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – U.S. Air Force Maj. Cody T. Wolf, new 44th Maintenance Squadron commander, assumed command of the squadron during a ceremony here Dec. 8, 2024.

Wolf is responsible for overseeing maintenance operations for 138 Airmen across 16 specialties in a geographically separated squadron, ensuring its readiness for 15 F-35A Lightning II aircraft and leading the transition to a combat-ready, globally deployable force.

The new commander began his first address to the squadron by expressing his humility and privilege to wear the uniform. He also outlined his approach to lead them into the future.

“My leadership philosophy is simple,” he said. “It is grounded along the lines of humble servitude to you all, in a relentless focus to the mission and challenges that lay ahead.”

After enlisting in 2011 through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, he spent 12 years in active duty prior to joining the Reserves in January 2024.

Throughout his career, Wolf has served in officer roles in both Europe and the continental United States. He takes on this new assignment with a background in munitions and missile maintenance, NATO operations, and bomber and rescue coordination. Prior to this role, he served as a 325th Munitions Squadron director of operations.

Col. Kurt M. Bruggeman, 44th Fighter Group commander and presiding officer at the ceremony, reflected on the unit’s recent challenges and forecasted Wolf’s ability to lead the unit to conquer the obstacles still to come as they work toward full operational and combat readiness.

“[Wolf] is absolutely the right leader for the 44 MXS as it moves forward in this critical time,” he said. “The breadth and depth of his experience make him perfectly suited to lead the squadron as it transitions from conversion and small-fleet dynamics to steady sustained operations.”

Maj. Jacob Williams, 601st Air Operations Center chaplain, also spoke to Wolf’s character during the ceremony.

“I always ask the incoming commander if they have any prayer requests,” he said. “His requests were all about his unit and family. That’s not always the case. You guys are getting someone whose dedication goes to the right things.”

Towards the end of his address, Wolf recalled a tricky question that Col. Gregory Preisser, former 44 FG commander, asked him during his interview for the command seat. The question was whether or not the commander is important to a unit.

“The individual commander is not important,” said Wolf. “What truly matters is the role of the command itself, as it guides and inspires the unit. My focus is to empower each of you to carry out the mission regardless of who is sitting in the command seat.”

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is helping shoppers get the best deals this season with an extended holiday price guarantee.

Until Dec. 24, shoppers making a purchase in-store or on ShopMyExchange.com can receive an Exchange gift card for the price difference if they find an identical item from a local retailer at a lower price.

“It matters where you shop, and the Exchange is helping shoppers get the best value this holiday season,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Holiday shopping adds up, but the Exchange’s holiday price guarantee, along with tax-free benefit, can help shoppers save.”

To receive a gift card, shoppers can bring an original receipt or order confirmation and a local competitor’s advertisement to their local Exchange’s customer service desk. Online shoppers can receive their gift card by filling out a customer feedback form found on ShopMyExchange.com/customer-service/contact-us or by calling the Exchange’s Customer Contact Center at 800-527-2345.

Exclusions apply on items related to Black Friday and Cyber Week sales or one-day specials. Other restricts may apply.

Social media friendly: Exchange shoppers can save with an extended price guarantee. Shoppers who find an identical item at a local competitor for less can receive an Exchange gift card for the difference. Restrictions apply. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-2Qr

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.5 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Zach Wright, 214-312-3600, or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange