139th News

ANG Airman selected as USAF first sergeant instructor

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Theo Ramsey
  • 139th Airlift Wing
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. --  With nearly six years of experience as a first sergeant for the Missouri Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Wing, Master Sgt. Jan Medina was recently selected as a first sergeant instructor for the U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alb.

The slot for Airmen in the Air National Guard to be selected as a first sergeant instructor is unique and competitive.  Medina said she is humbled by the opportunity.

"I am still letting it settle in," said Medina when asked about her selection. "The fact that they chose me makes me want to do it that much more."

Medina will spend four years teaching first sergeants at the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education at Maxwell AFB. 

The academy graduates around 500 first sergeants annually and the first sergeant course format is a mix of four weeks of online curriculum followed by two weeks in-residence.

Medina said there is growing momentum to raise the presence of ANG members as professional military education instructors.

"Hopefully we are going to be seeing some more opportunities in that area," said Medina.

The current commandant of the academy, Chief Master Sgt. Danny Doucette, is the first ANG member to hold that position.

Medina has three years of experience as the first sergeant for 139th Security Forces Squadron and nearly three years of experience as the first sergeant for the 139th Maintenance Squadron.

"I think being a first sergeant is the best job I've ever had," said Medina, "It is the hardest but most rewarding."