Storytellers event helps Altus Airmen connect

Published May 15, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Nathan Clark
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen from Altus Air Force Base came together to share and listen to fellow Airmen's stories at the Freedom Community Center on May 13.

The event gave Airmen a look into lives of others and their stories of hope and resilience.

Four speakers came together to share parts of their life stories in front of a full audience.

"What we're trying to do is slowly, but surely, bring the story of every Airman in Altus, to you in a setting like this," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Paul Hammer, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels superintendent.

For those in attendance, the speakers entertained them with very different stories and a wide range of topics.

Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Danny King kept the crowd entertained as he recalled his 21-year career that began when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1947.

King spent his time as a maintainer in New Mexico, Massachusetts and England, and also served in the Korean War.

King also spoke about his marriage and his children serving in the Air Force.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michelle Casilla, 97th LRS traffic management journeyman, followed King by speaking about her life growing up. Born in Saipan, Casilla was the child of very hard working parents from the Philippines, yet the surrounding culture told her, being a foreigner was embarrassing.

Casilla was told that her parents only had her to stay on the island, but she didn't let this harsh accusation define her. She said she was raised with nothing but morals and manners and she couldn't be more proud of what her parents did for her.
In high school, Casilla joined Junior ROTC and steadily rose through the ranks. There, she decided a military career was what she wanted.

With speakers covering their beginnings, careers and plans for the future, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Treadwell, 97th Security Forces Squadron, NCOIC of combat arms, told his story of a deployment that earned him a Bronze Star with Valor.

Treadwell was stationed at a Forward Operating Base Oqab, Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, while training Afghan Security Forces. During the deployment, Treadwell and his fellow instructors responded to an attack on the base, holding off enemy forces until they were relieved by a U.S. Marine Corps unit.

Hammer said it is important not only to listen, but to connect with those we work with. "I think we interact with so many people on regular basis and it's all business, business, business, but we don't connect. That's what this is about."

For those who have a story, but are more reluctant to share, Hammer said, "You have to think about it; if you have something you think people are going to want to hear, chances are, you're right."