Swanton, Ohio -- Assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing’s Logistics Readiness Squadron as a Traffic Management Journeyman, Driftmyer is responsible for assisting in the management of inbound and outbound freight packages within the squadron’s distribution flight.
Her duties also include deployment manifest preparation, ensuring the wing is able to provide deployable Airmen and equipment, anytime, anywhere.
Driftmyer enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2015, graduating basic military training with honors, then remained at the top of her class throughout her technical training, maintaining an average of 95% in academics. In 2017, Driftmyer enrolled at the University of Toledo, majoring in social work where she maintains a 3.5 grade point average. Simultaneously, Driftmyer has been working fulltime at the 180FW, contributing to the wing’s overall mission success. In January, 2019, Driftmyer successfully prepared manifests needed to deploy more than 130 Airmen and 112 pieces of cargo to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, while still managing her shipping and receiving duties. Throughout the year, Driftmyer processed more than 950 mission priority items, totaling more than $99 million in shipping costs. Her efforts enabled the wing maintenance group to maintain a 76.6% mission capable rate that allowed the wing to complete more than 2,600 training sorties, totaling more than 4,000 flying hours. In addition to working at the 180FW and attending the University of Toledo, both on a fulltime basis, Driftmyer also completed additional military education by attending Airmen Leadership School and a Hazardous Materials Preparation course. Driftmyer is also dedicated to her community, volunteering for several area charity organizations to include Headstones for Veterans, The Toledo Airshow and Make-A-Wish.
Airman of the Year recognizes an outstanding Airman between the rank of Airman and Senior Airman. Junior enlisted Airmen must maintain the highest levels of personal readiness to meet mission requirements. An Airman must be technically, physically, mentally and spiritually ready to accomplish the mission.