Wild Weasel of the Week: Senior Airman Kayla Hopkins

U.S. Air force Senior Airman Kayla Hopkins, 35th Maintenance Group weapons load crew evaluator, inspects an Airman installing an armament onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 26, 2015. During Hopkins’ evaluation process, she hand-checks for any discrepancies where each armament was loaded. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

Wild Weasel of the Week: Senior Airman Kayla Hopkins

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kayla Hopkins, 35th Maintenance Group weapons load crew evaluator, poses in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 26, 2015. Hopkins’ responsibilities include instructing new Airmen on how to load weapons efficiently and ensuring experienced load crews maintain standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

Wild Weasel of the Week: Senior Airman Kayla Hopkins

Each week a member of the 35th Fighter Wing is selected as the Wild Weasel of the Week. This individual is recognized based on superior performance, outstanding work ethic, and overall good conduct and discipline.

The 35th Maintenance Group chose Senior Airman Kayla Hopkins, weapons load crew evaluator, to be their Wild Weasel of the Week.

What is your daily mission?
To teach weapons troops how to load armaments in addition to training experienced load crew members on loading more proficiently.

What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy working with my team members who help push me to become better at my job.

Why did you choose to serve in the Air Force?
I joined for both education and to prove to myself that I can accomplish great things.

What is your favorite thing about living in Japan?
The Japanese people are very welcoming and respectful. I also enjoy experiencing their culture.

Who has been your best mentor and what have they taught you?
Staff Sgt. Charles Taylor is my best mentor. He was my first supervisor and taught me everything I need to be successful in the Air Force and in my career. He also taught me that no matter how bad a day you are having or have had, our job contributes an important part of the mission.

How long have you been stationed at Misawa?
12 months

How long have you been in the Air Force?
5 and a half years

What goals do you want to meet while at Misawa?
To make staff sergeant and learn more about the Japanese culture.

What goals do you want to meet during your Air Force career?
I want to become the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force one day.

Supervisor's comments:
"Senior Airman Hopkins is an awesome weapons load crew trainer. She is wise beyond her years and possesses the drive and determination normally found in seasoned NCOs. I believe she exhibits all the qualities that make this wing great: positive attitude, mental toughness and a 'make it happen' spirit." -Chief Master Sgt. Kim Castro, 35 MXG wing weapons manager