December Airman Spotlight

  • Published
  • By 175th Wing Public Affairs
BALTIMORE --  Name: Ashley Mooney
Rank: Tech. Sgt.
Unit: 175th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Job Description: Unit Training Manager and Functional Systems Manager
Fulltime job: Same
Hometown: Pasadena, Maryland
Joined the MDANG: August 2004
Total Service years: 11 years
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Last book read: Lone Survivor
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite Sports Team: RAVENS!


Tell us your brief life story?

I was born and raised in Maryland. Once I graduated middle school I was persuaded to get a job to start saving money to put myself through college. I started working at a small restaurant that summer and kept working while I started high school at the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore. During summers I attended classes at Anne Arundel Community College. After high school I started working at the Anne Arundel Police Department in the Crime Analysis section and decided to join the military.

Tell us about your military career?

I joined the MDANG three months after graduating high school. I had a friend in the guard who seemed to have a really nice "family" connection with the people here so I decided I wanted that too! I also found out about the Guard paying for college and traveling opportunities so it was a no brainer that I needed to join to get more fulfillment in life. I was off to basic training and supply technical school within three months of joining. It's hard to pick my most memorable moment because I have met and worked with some amazing people. I'd say my most memorable experience would've been being involved in outfitting the entire base with clothing and mobility items for a deployment. I was working in clothing and I was in charge of ordering and distributing every clothing article for all the members. I did not go on the deployment but it still felt good that I was able to equip everyone and then stay back and maintain daily operations in three different sections.

What brought you to the MDANG?  How have you enjoyed your time here?

I came to the MDANG to have an extended family and serve a purpose. I have continually served the Logistics Readiness Squadron with all of my abilities. I have learned so much and grown a lot in the process. I love what I do for our members. We have been through many changes as a squadron as well as a wing and I have enjoyed every moment.

What is your favorite Air Force or military memory or story?
What is your proudest moment?

A favorite memory would be when I was coined for maintaining my integrity. I was working in clothing as a Senior Airman. A member tried to use their officer rank in order for me to hand over clothing they were not authorized. The member even tried sending in an enlisted member to get the items. I stood my ground and up channeled the incident. My Command Chief was telling the story at a conference and a general gave him a coin to give to me for maintaining my integrity. That was an important part of my military career.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about helping others. I am in a position where I can give back, so why not help those who need it the most. My husband and I started base participation with the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program back in 2012.  We have coordinated the collection of 50 Thanksgiving dinner baskets, gifts for 122 children, 203 Christmas stockings filled with little gifts, and Christmas dinner and gifts for six families. It feels great to give back to the families of Baltimore and it makes me extremely happy that we always have so many volunteers. If I was not in the military I would certainly be in a career field that in some way helps those in need. For now, I will continue with giving back through the Angel Tree Program along with other donations and volunteering throughout the year!