DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Standing proud in her uniform, she walks around the squadron greeting Airmen, each conversation reflecting her experience of listening and understanding. As the first sergeant, she leverages her counseling skills to foster trust and resilience, inspiring her Airmen.

Senior Master Sergeant Destini Yaden, 9th Bomber Generation Squadron first sergeant, began her U.S. Air Force career in the Air Force Honor Guard.

After volunteering for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and mentoring children who were going through the loss of a loved one in the service, she decided that helping people was something she would want to do full-time, leading her to pursue the path of a mental health technician.

Yadan strived to provide a more comprehensive spectrum of care and support for Airmen. However, after promoting to Master Sergeant, she came across a small hurdle: fewer opportunities for hands-on patient care. She was looking for a way to be more interactive, reconnecting with her Airmen.

“I was walking through the enlisted club one day at Nellis Air Force Base and saw a photo of my grandfather in his Army Air Corps stripes,” said Yaden. “I’ve always considered him my guardian angel, so seeing that photo of him in his uniform strengthened my desire to become a first sergeant.”

Despite low manning, she thought her chances of being selected were slim, but she applied despite the challenges. Her perseverance paid off when she was chosen to serve as a first sergeant, ironically at the same base where her grandfather completed his tour as a first sergeant.

Yaden’s transition to becoming a first sergeant represents her deep sense of purpose and commitment to the Airmen around her. Her connection to her grandfather and sense of duty shaped her career and approach to leadership. Throughout her career, Yaden found that her true fulfillment came from the opportunities to inspire and support others.

“The most rewarding part of my job is learning something new daily and celebrating others,” said Yaden. “Seeing my Airmen’s passion come through when they work inspires me. I love caring for people; if I can make a difference in even one person’s life, that’s a win. Helping others rejuvenates me, and I will continue to be a diamond as long as possible.”

Because of her strong sense to help Airmen, Yaden was recently selected for the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, a six-week course for senior enlisted personnel. The program covers the national military and defense strategies while focusing on improving troop care, problem-solving, and using storytelling to connect different leadership skills. During the course, she received the Peter Tomich Award, presented to the student who represents outstanding leadership and academic achievement.

“I encourage noncommissioned officers to apply for this course,” said Yaden. “It offers growth beyond traditional professional military education, broadens perspectives on networking and highlights the value of working with other branches. Understanding the cultures of other branches is crucial for joint mission success.”

When Navy personnel are promoted to Chief Petty Officer, they receive their anchors and undergo a voluntary, four-week training called a ‘season.’ On graduation day of the Navy SEA course, Yaden was presented with her anchors as an honorary Chief Petty Officer and experienced the emotional pinning night. She plans to complete the ‘season’ in the future to truly earn her anchors.

“Being selected for the award was special, but getting pinned was incredibly meaningful,” said Yaden. “Knowing the history and receiving them is an honor I will cherish. It reminds me of those who came before me and those I stand beside.”

Moving forward, Yaden stated she is excited to incorporate what she learned from the Navy SEA course into Air Force operations to make Airmen more successful and mission ready.

“Yaden was the perfect choice for the Navy SEA,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Paluch, 9th BGS commander. “Her dedication is unmatched. Putting herself into everything wholeheartedly and being selected as the Peter Tomich Award winner proves her commitment to excellence. I’m excited to see her apply everything she’s learned.”