SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- We sat down with Staff Sgt. Stefanie Nakoneczny, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management training and logistics noncommissioned officer in charge, to get to know her. Nakoneczny is best known for being a mom, caring and looking out for not only her daughter but those around her. Outside of work, Nakoneczny loves to bake with her daughter, practice yoga and plan fun weekends away.
Where are you from?
My parents are military, so I moved around a lot. Primarily from the Philadelphia and D.C. area.
Why did you decide to join the Air Force?
I love being a part of something greater, I love our country and I love the fact I can wear this uniform and fight for freedom.
What is your favorite part of South Carolina?
The winters, I grew up north so it’s nice to have a winter, but it’s not crazy cold.
How would you describe a normal day?
I do a lot of computer work, I teach Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear classes. I organize CBRN classes and work with unit schedulers. I also work on our own in-house training so we stay proficient at what we do while also teaching others.
What is your favorite sport? Team?
I am not a sporty person but we play a sport on Wednesdays for flight physical training and since coming here I have gotten a lot better at ultimate football. My favorite football team to watch would be the Philadelphia Eagles.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Compassionately. I truly care deeply for everyone in my squadron. I try to put myself in their shoes and see from their point of view.
What is one Air Force resource you found that is incredibly beneficial?
Our main gym, we have so much equipment. There are also so many classes for free here.
What’s your outlook mailbox look like?
I try to keep it neat, I do have folders for completed tasks.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job.
We do not just train CBRN. We maintain Shaw’s emergency operations center. We organize and analyze any hazards and threats on base. We build our installation emergency management plan.
What is your least favorite task and how do you make sure you get it done?
Going out into the warehouse and maintaining equipment. I’m a people person and that job isn’t as fun to me. Our team is very close, so if someone needs help or gets overwhelmed we know we have others to lean on.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Teaching classes, I love teaching and trying to make it fun.