ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- When the wing’s previous Human Resource Advisor (HRA), Senior Master Sgt. Candace McCune, transferred to the 139th Medical Group, Command Chief Master Sgt. Kris Neros knew it would be tough to find someone to fill the shoes that McCune had left.
Neros put out a base-wide email to find candidates for the open position and Tech. Sgt. Jamie Israel, assigned to the 139th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s fuel shop, decided to apply.
“I had just finished up my Master’s Degree in Human Performance Improvement that I had paid for through an Air Force Association Grant,” said Israel. “This position would help me give back to the base while using what I learned through my degrees to help the wing’s leadership push the unit to new levels.”
As the human resource advisor, Israel focuses on diversity, inclusion, and the professional development for the wings members. She also advises our leadership on ways to take full advantage of the many skills and talents our organization has within our diverse ranks and leverage that into mission success.
Prior to joining the 139th in 2006, Israel was a police officer with the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. Her husband Ben, is a member of the 139th Security Forces Squadron. But the family involvement with the wing doesn’t stop there. Her son Coby, who just finished technical school, is a crew chief with the wing as well.
In 2018, the base hosted the Sound of Speed Airshow. It was at that show, that the Israel family made a memory that they will never forget. Tech. Sgt. Israel re-enlisted for another six years, but her son Coby enlisted with the unit.
“I was so proud of Coby for making the decision to join Ben and I at the 139th, and to have the honor of Chief Neros being there and Col. Black performing the ceremony, this is something we will always cherish.” said Israel.