BALTIMORE -- Name: Akina L. Jones
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Unit: 175th Medical Group/Bioenvironmental Engineering
Job Description: Industrial hygiene and occupational health NCO in charge
Fulltime Job: Cosmetologist/Esthetician
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
Joined the MDANG: October 2016
Total Service Years: Six years
Family: Mom, grandma, sister, brother, aunt and cousins.
Favorite Movie: Secret Life of Bees
Favorite Food: Seafood tacos
Favorite Sports Team: I don’t have a favorite sports team. I do love Beyoncé, though.
Tell us your brief life story?
I was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland. I am the oldest of three children on my mom’s side and the youngest of three on my dad’s side. As a kid I spent a lot of time in my aunt and uncle's grocery store in Eastport, Annapolis. My grandmother ran the counter at the store and I would go there after school to help her out. When I wasn’t at the store I spent a lot of time outside with friends climbing trees, riding four wheelers, catching frogs, playing kickball and riding bikes. As I transitioned into middle school I became more interested in dance! I carried that passion into high school where I took dance, cheerleading and competed in modeling competitions. After I graduated from high school in 2010 I joined the Air Force. Since joining I made staff sergeant, earned my cosmetology license and started working on obtaining my RN.
Tell us about your military career?
I joined the Air Force in July of 2011 as a Bioenvironmental Engineering apprentice. I went to technical school at the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and graduated in September 2011 as the honor graduate of my class. My first station was Hill Air Force Base, Utah. While at Hill, I received the Air Force Achievement Medal and an my unit earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. I was a honor guard member for a year and volunteered for many family deployment programs. After four years on active duty I palace chased and joined the Utah Air National Guard in the personnel career field. Shortly after I realized I did not want to be in personnel. So I reached out to the Maryland Air National Guard retention office about a bioenvironmental position I saw online. I secured the position in October of 2015 and I have been with the 175th Medical Group ever since!
What brought you to the MDANG? How have you enjoyed your time here?
I came to the 175 MDG because I was moving back to Maryland and I wanted to go back to my first my career field. I have really enjoyed my time here! This has been a great unit to be a part of and it's full of awesome and talented people. The 175th MDG has been the best unit I have ever worked with.
What is your favorite Air Force or military memory or story?
My favorite memory was performing honor guard ceremonies during retirement ceremonies! I had the chance to perform the honor guard duties for the retirement ceremony for one of my fellow choir members. Which was a great experience!
What is your proudest moment?
So far my proudest moment has been completing the Hill Air Force Base 13-mile Ruck March with my best friend for fallen Airmen assigned to our base. While the ruck march was tough, it meant a lot to us.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my family, friendships, being a cosmetologist, makeup, serving in the Air Force and tacos. I love tacos!