"The mission support group, in all aspects, supports every part of our (base's) mission," said Medler. "The proud members of the mission support group feed our base, provide housing for our airmen, help them take care of their families, help educate them and help them take care of their career responsibilities. We protect them. We help them land safely in poor flying conditions. We help them get and stay in shape. We fuel the planes and build the training pallets, we obtain the goods and services needed for them to do their job, and we build their dorms and offices."
Medler said her goal for the 97th MSG is that every airman knows where he or she fits into the overall accomplishment of the mission.
"The mission support group is only as successful as that airman out there," she said. "It's important that we take care of him and create a strong family atmosphere."
Medler said it is important for military members to maintain close ties with family members, but how to accomplish that is an individual choice.
"For me, staying connected to my children and grandchildren via email and phone calls is incredibly important," she said. "It's the same with my mom and my sister. The bottom line is, the day you retire, you want your family with you sitting in the front seat. To make sure that happens, you need to find time for yourself, your family and your faith."
When she refers to family, Medler is speaking not only of the family members at home, but the Altus AFB family as well. She said the small-town community of Altus is a huge benefit.
"Altus is wonderful," she said. "There is a very close tie between the base and community. Here, the town is the base, and the base is the town."
As a former Marine, Medler places strong emphasis on fitness. She served two years on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 to 1976. When she first arrived at Altus in June, one of the things that most impressed her about the 97th AMW was the monthly wing fun runs. With the Air Force's new fitness program in full swing, running is increasingly important.
"I think the chief's sight picture on our new fitness program will help in that it's made getting and staying physically fit a part of our Air Force daily duties," she said.
Medler hopes to implement an incentive program to increase unit participation in the wing fun runs, she said. The program would encourage competition and camaraderie by awarding a trophy to the squadron with the highest percentage of participation that month.
As far as having fun while assigned at Altus, Medler said Airmen need to "get out of their dorm rooms."
"Put up your computer, put aside those video games and DVDs and meet people," she said. "Get involved by volunteering time with (Airmen Against Drunk Driving) or Airmen's Attic. Serve on the Honor Guard. Enroll in classes. The list is endless, regardless of your particular interest.
"The Air Force is truly a community, and our folks are only limited by their attitudes. If they want to make their assignment at Altus a miserable tour and complain the entire time they are here, they can. But they can also make it one of the best assignments in their careers. The choice is up to them."
She also said, "Keeping a sense of humor, in spite of the high stress environment we operate in goes a long way to helping us keep fun in our lives."
Medler said her personal vision for the 97th MSG is that everyone understands the value of "mission, family, fitness and fun," and with more than 2,486 active-duty members and 2,457 civilians in the group, that the squadron leadership is empowered to make decisions concerning their people.
"I'm honored and humbled to be able to lead this great mission support group, and it really is a pleasure to serve with the outstanding leaders that we have in this wing," Medler said.
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