Storytellers returns to Peterson

Published Nov. 10, 2014
By 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Every Airman has a story, but in the shuffle and stresses of everyday life, many are simply lost or forgotten, which is why the Storytellers program was started.

Storytellers was initiated in July 2012 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, by Master Sgt. Lee Hoover, Incirlik American Forces Network station manager, and Tech. Sgt. Kitsana Dounglomchan, 39th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor. It was first introduced at Peterson AFB in 2013 by Tech. Sgt. Kimberly McDougle, Airmen Leadership School Instructor.

"I had the opportunity to share my story during last year's Storytellers event. The event was so empowering, I knew I wanted to bring it back this year," said Staff Sgt. Kyaw Min, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Preventive Health NCOIC and this year's Storytellers event coordinator along with Staff Sgt. Hyasmin Dorrell, 21st AMDS Deployment Medicine NCOIC, and Senior Airman Takiah Christensen, 21st AMDS Public Health technician.

Storytellers is a live event where fellow Airmen share their stories of resilience, motivation and professional pride in a relaxing environment that allows the audience to connect and learn.

"This event exemplifies what it means to be a wingman -- taking the time out to listen to one another. You never know what the person sitting next to you has been through" said Christensen.

Storytellers is also a learning experience for service members of all ranks with an emphasis on educating and mentoring younger Airmen.

This year's Storytellers event is 9-11 a.m. Nov. 21 in the ballroom at The Club, and includes complimentary refreshments for all attendees.

Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Kays, 21st Medical Squadron superintendent, will narrate the event and introduce the following Airmen who will share their stories of resiliency:

Maj. Gwendolyn Kaegy, 21st Medical Group
Capt. Travis Black, 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron
Staff Sgt. Danniel DeJesus, North American Aerospace Defense Command
Staff Sgt. Holden Montgomery, Headquarters AFSPC
Airman 1st Class Robert Valencia-Aiken, 21st AMDS

"I'm really excited to be a part of this event. The stories you will hear are truly remarkable and a direct demonstration of resiliency," said Dorrell.

Storytellers at Peterson