916th Air Refueling Wing Airman Profile : Senior Airman Laquinta Edmonds

  • Published
  • By Jeramy Moore
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing

“I am honored to say that I am an American Airman,” said Senior Airman Laquinta Edmonds, a personnel specialist with the 916th Force Support Squadron. “I absolutely love being a part of my dream.”

Personnel specialists like Edmonds, provide the Air Force’s most valuable asset, it’s Airmen, with the counsel and resources they need to help them achieve their career goals. Her position within the 916th consists of overseeing a wide array of administrative functions such as advising on job specialties, promotions and training programs. 

“Senior Airman Edmonds has truly been an asset to our office,” Said Tech Sgt. Katrina Jones, the non commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of customer support in the 916th FSS. “She is a proud mother, and never hesitates to share her story. She also loves to learn new things, and is constantly preparing to be better at her job. I am proud to have her in my section.”

The Reserve Citizen Airman always wanted to join the Air Force. In high school she was part of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and planned on enlisting into the Active Duty component to travel the world.

“When I became pregnant with my son I was told I ruined my life,” said Edmonds. “Instead, I learned that my children motivate me. Although my original plans after high school changed, I am grateful for the career path I have taken and my unique journey will allow me to teach my children that the sky is the limit”

The mother of three, who is also a client support specialist for Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) ultimately made it to the 916th ARW after going through basic training at the same time as her oldest child.

“My son, Airman 1st Class Lawrence Gaillard, a missile systems maintenance technician with the 90th Maintenance Group, enlisted eight months after me, but ended up in basic training one month after me,” said Edmonds. “I remember going to my military training instructor (MTI) and asking to check if my son arrived. He responded, what, Edmonds, You have a son here? I smiled and said, yes sir. I later wrote my son a letter to explain that trainees could attend church services.

“My son ended up being a chapel guide which provided an opportunity for me to briefly see him on Sundays. I greatly looked forward to those days,” said Edmonds.

“Being in basic training with my mom was coolest thing,” said Gaillard. “Watching her work hard to graduate motivated me every day.”

In the future, Edmonds is looking forward to taking advantage of the leadership opportunities that the Air Force offers.

“For my career, my goal is to achieve as much as I can in the Air Force. As far as my future within the 916th ARW, I plan on attending airmen leadership school (ALS) when the opportunity presents itself,“ said Edmonds. “Overall, I just want to be a positive influence on my kids and those around me. I hope to grow and thrive and to watch them do the same.”