KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Often referred to as “The Punisher”, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mia Randazzo a radar, airfield and weather systems maintainer with the 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, is not who she seems.
Randazzo received her nickname from her airmen counterparts for the common black eyes and bruises seen on her face. During her time at the University of Missouri, the source for her constant face injuries were due to her competitive drive while playing Rugby.
“It’s a good sport, and I really loved it,” says Randazzo.
Despite the intimidation of her nickname, Randazzo has the opposite personality and attitude.
“She’s a lot of fun. She’s got a great sense of humor, but also at the same time knows how to direct and be serious when need be,” says U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Coleman Babcock, airfield systems maintainer with the 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard.
Randazzo transferred from the 121st Air Traffic Control Squadron into the 139th Airlift Wing. She has served with the 241st ATCS for eight years.
“Everyone’s really helpful, and we have really good leadership,” says Randazzo. “They’ve been helping me though personal things, like when my mom passed away, which I thought was really sweet.”
Throughout her time at the 139th she has had many opportunities to travel including deploying to Iraq, Africa and conducting training in Germany, Luxembourg and Hawaii.
“Where she’s strongest is the leadership aspect because when we deployed, she went on to a piece of equipment that she had no real proper training with,” comments Babcock. “The way she led the shop, I mean, it was really impressive to see how she coordinated the efforts and how we did everything without a hitch.”
Randazzo said she would love to go beyond 20 years, if given the opportunity.
“I’ve had wonderful experiences,” explains Randazzo. “I’ve met many people active duty and coalition forces even, and in other branches. I think that’s awesome. It’s all about culture and you learn where different people come from and that alone is a great experience.”