ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Get to know the Airman of the Month for May, Alison Thorpe, 97th Maintenance Operations training manager from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
How do you stay ahead of the curve and ensure you're always prepared to excel, regardless of the challenges that may arise?
Staying current and adaptable is essential for optimal performance and resource conservation. Referencing Air Force Instructions ensures I have the most up-to-date information and comply with standards with the goal of making me faster, more efficient and more resource-friendly.
How have you seen the principle of meritocracy reflected in your work environment at Altus, and how does it motivate you to perform at your best?
Knowing my work counts motivates my best effort daily. I am more willing to speak up with new ideas, take ownership of hard tasks, inspiring me to innovate, own challenges, and sharpen skills. Success feels earned.
What does holding yourself and your peers accountable to the highest standards look like in your daily work, and how does it contribute to overall mission readiness?
In our day-to-day work, holding ourselves and each other accountable means everyone owns their commitments, openly shares progress, and steps up when things don’t go as planned. It starts with clear expectations and ends with honest feedback-no finger-pointing, just a shared drive to do the right thing and deliver on time.
What specific steps do you take in your role to ensure you and your team are always prepared to execute the mission, even on short notice?
I prioritize efficiency and compliance by maintaining an organized workspace, prioritizing tasks effectively, and ensuring readily available resources. I also stay up-to-date on AFIs.
How does your work at Altus directly or indirectly contribute to maintaining the Air Force's lethality on the global stage?
I can automate routine tasks, such as generating reports, summarizing information, and answering common questions. This frees up personnel to focus on more critical tasks, such as aircraft maintenance and operational execution.