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Wingman, leader, warrior and poet

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kathrine McDowell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  "How does she do it all?" might be the first question that comes to mind when meeting Senior Airman Jazmin Wilson, 609th Air and Space Operations Center Detachment 1 interface control technician, who recently had a book signing in Sumter, S.C. for the publishing of her poems. 

Endurance, willpower and passion are the main themes that run deep in her first book, "Journey to My Identity From a Poetic Standpoint."

"I wrote it because I think there a lot of young women (who) can relate to it," she said. "Many feel like they are alone. I want to reach out and let them know they're not." 

Airman Wilson started writing at 15. She grew up as the daughter of active duty Army parents, with her father being a strict disciplinarian.
 
"I didn't know how to express my feelings," Airman Wilson explained. "I started writing everything down in letters and gave them to my father to read. Eventually I was writing poetry." 

Poetry isn't her only passion. She spends most of her free time volunteering as a mentor for third, fourth and fifth graders at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. She also speaks to young women for programs such as the United Way Diamond Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. 

"My goal is to be a motivational speaker," Airman Wilson continued. "I feel as if they're not enough young women out there that mentor young girls. Young girls would look up more and be inspired by someone closer to their age instead of someone in their late 30s or 40s that can't really fit into their scene." 

"The guidance that she gives children leads some to stay away from trouble," says Staff Sgt. Calvin Carnathan, her supervisor. "She inspires them to do well in school and participate in activities that keep them social and keep their minds free from worries that the world may bring."

Airman Wilson is also working on an application for the Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC program, a commissioning opportunity for enlisted Airmen to complete a bachelor's degree as an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet. 

"I feel very proud of her for making the decision to become an officer and help lead the way to the success of our future Air Force," adds Sergeant Carnathan. "I have no doubt in my mind that she will be a great leader when her time comes. She will be an outstanding officer."

Airman Wilson will be deploying next week, just three weeks after being notified of her selection for E-5.

To join her online poetry forums, go to www.speakeasypoets.com.