RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – On and off-duty Airman 1st Class Kiera Christensen portrays Air Force values. May 25, 86th Airlift Wing leadership recognized her efforts, naming her Airlifter of the Week.
It is the 86th Medical Support Squadron patient movement technician’s heart and attention to detail that has earned her a position not usually filled by someone her rank. She is one of two Airmen who manage the Air Force’s second-largest Patient Movement Operations mission.
As a PMT, if a patient cannot find care here in Germany, the case is routed up to the chief of medical staff. The place where the best care is provided is then located, and the PMT makes sure the person has orders, per diem, a place to stay, and anything else that may be needed.
She streamlined care for patients and non-medical attendants and medical evacuations. Christensen also supported a mental health patient transfer process improvement by collaborating with three organizations, consolidating administrative work, which decreased processing time by one week.
“Since day one she’s been stepping up,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Mutuc, 86th Medical Group TRICARE operations section chief.
Christensen is kindhearted, and she takes care of her fellow Airmen.
As the Kaiserslautern Military Community 4A/MSC president, she plans special events for medical personnel. During October, events are planned to span a week. Due to challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, some events like the big paintball game had to be canceled this year.
“I like how the Air Force is focused on morale because out in the civilian world you don't really find that,” said Christensen. “That's something special about the Air Force; they care about their people. I love boosting the morale of people in my Air Force Specialty Code and I'm so motivated by that.”
Christensen was initially a frequent volunteer at the Ramstein Elementary School. Then, she decided to run for the parent-teacher secretary position to be more involved in planning events for the children. She also volunteers with a local orphanage in Landstuhl.
“My side passion is a local orphanage that's close to my heart,” said Christensen. “To see those kids' faces even though I can't understand what they’re saying, but I know the excitement in their body language.”
During the Christmas holiday season, Christensen organized a base-wide toy drive for the children. The toy drive received so much support that the children were gifted bikes, Nintendo Switches, XBoxes and other things.
One of Ramstein’s lines of effort is to Develop Airmen and Care for Families; with all the volunteering and work Christensen does, she exemplifies that.