COB BASRA – For Staff Sgt. Shalounda Nightingale military service is all in the family. Her husband, Jonathan, is also in the AF. In fact, the Nightingales are stationed together at Scott AF Base, Ill., where they live with their 2 children, Ian, who is 5, and Janiyah, who is 1. Nightingale's mother, Vickey Coleman, is a retired AF technical sgt.
Nightingale, who works on special programs involving counter-IED efforts for TF Troy and MND-S, said she's worked hard since arriving in Iraq. "When we came in I did a lot of new things with special programs," she said. "I hit the ground running, and I've worked hard to keep things running smoothly in our section."
Schue, who serves as the officer-in-charge of special programs for compartmentalized ops for MND-S, said Nightingale distinguished herself immediately upon her arrival in theater. "She stepped up to the plate right away, providing a smooth operational atmosphere and exceptional administrative skills to ensure mission capability," Schue said. "She also steps out of the box and does whatever it takes to get the job done. She looks to help others. She's brought a real spirit of teamwork to our effort."
Nightingale has been recognized for her achievement as AF NCO of the Month by Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, comm. gen., MND-S, who gave her a cmdr's coin in recognition of her award. She said she's also slated to be recognized by AF Maj. Gen. Joseph Reynes Jr., Dir., Air Component Coordination Element, MNF – Iraq, when his schedule permits.
While working hard to accomplish her mission here in Iraq, Nightingale has also devoted herself to receiving a civilian education. She's been taking classes through American Military University, majoring in intel ops. She said she plans to finish her bachelor's degree in March 2011, though she's not sure yet what her future career plans are. "I know I plan on staying in the military and finishing out my 20 years," said Nightingale. "I'm still trying to decide whether to go to Officer Training School or not, but I know I want to retire from the AF."
Nightingale said her military career, including her current deployment, has not been an undue hardship on her family. "My husband just returned from a deployment to Qatar in July," she said. "In fact, I left a month before he came home and our kids had to stay with family. My family understands what I'm doing, though. My son understands Mommy and Daddy have to go to the desert to do their jobs. We're a tight-knit family so we adjust well."
While Nightingale treasures her family and looks forward to the day she can be reunited with them, she is working hard now to ensure her mission is a success. This effort has caused her superiors to take notice.
