Civilian employee earns medal for deployed service Published Nov. 18, 2011 By Tammy Cournoyer Warrior and Family Operations Center RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Civilian deployments to the combat zone may be few and far between - there are only 112 billets Air Force-wide - but that didn't stop one Air Force Personnel Center employee here from jumping at the chance to grab one of those spots and head overseas. Her volunteerism has earned her a Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism. Vonda Ware, community readiness analyst, assigned to AFPC's Warrior and Family Operations Center, Airman and Family Readiness unit, was presented the medal by Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, center commander, during a ceremony Nov. 1. Ware volunteered to deploy to Southwest Asia in November 2009 to run the Airman Readiness Center at a forward base leaving behind her husband, Greg. "When I first learned about the mission of the airman readiness center [in Southwest Asia], I was ready to sign up," Ware said. "I knew this was a way for me to show my support and offer assistance to those who devote their lives to supporting our country. "When I saw the notice requesting volunteers, I expressed my interest and intent to volunteer for the assignment to my supervisor who was extremely supportive of my decision," Ware added. "I am grateful for the experience and chance to have served the Air Force and my country in this capacity." While deployed for nearly five months, she used her skills working reintegration programs, conducting financial counseling and classes and working closely with wounded warriors. She worked 12-hour shifts six days a week, while leading a noncommissioned officer and another civilian employee. Ware also participated in ceremonies honoring fallen warriors. "Her actions went above and beyond the call of duty to taking care of our Airmen and their families, and the sacrifices that Ms. Ware and her family have willingly made in defense of this nation are worthy of recognition," said Stewart. During his words to those people gathered at the ceremony, Stewart repeated a phrase used by Dr. Todd Fore, AFPC's executive director: "Do not undervalue doing the extraordinary well." "She is a shining example of our AFPC talent, and her efforts speak volumes to the commitment and selfless contributions that our civilian counterparts make every day to fight the global war on terror -- in short, she has done the extraordinary well," said Stewart. Ware has 17 years civilian employment in the Air Force, with eight of those years working in airman and family readiness. She is a very active volunteer, serving as a Big Sister to a teenage mother locally, and recently helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity as a roofer. The medal Ware received was created especially for the civilian workforce to recognize and honor their contributions and accomplishments in direct support of the armed forces, whose members are engaged in operations to combat terrorism. For information on personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.