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JBSA News
NEWS | March 22, 2013

Newly-minted Airman plans something remarkable: an Air Force career

By Dona Fair 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Women's History Month will be easily remembered for Airman Kaycee Franco, for it's the month that she began making her own personal piece of Air Force history: receiving the Air Force Airman's coin and becoming an Airman.

Receiving the coin signifies completing basic training and that Franco was one step closer to graduating. It also earned Franco the right to be called "Airman."

Originally from Dewey, Okla., a very small town boasting a population of only 3,432 according to the 2010 census, Franco said she found the eight weeks of basic training to be "insane."

"Spending time with 45-plus girls in one dorm was not very fun. But after time, things began to get a lot better. I have made a lot of friends; many who I hope will be lifelong."

During basic training Franco led fellow trainees. "I helped make sure that everyone always had their stuff together and was prepared for the day," Franco said. "Also, I was one of the only ones who knew how to march, so that helped our flight a lot."

"Trainee Franco was assigned as the latrine chief, one of the most undesirable positions," explained Staff Sgt. Stasia Smith, a military training instructor with the 326th Training Squadron. "She took her job seriously and had control over tasks that involved six other trainees under her direction. Airman Franco has initiative and ambition."

"When I train trainees, I am looking for them to be able to fill my role as a noncommissioned officer and leader when I leave the military. Trainee Franco is definetly one of those Airmen," Smith said.

Inspired by family members already in the Air Force and her father, Kerric Franco, who was very enthusiastic about his daughter's decision to join the military; Franco said she wants to do something remarkable with her life.

At the end of the coin ceremony, Franco and her fellow Airmen recited the Airman's Creed: "I am an American Airman. I am a warrior. I have answered my nation's call. I am an American Airman. And I will not fail."

Although the newly-minted Airman is just beginning her career in the Air Force, she said she is determined to be the best she can possibly be.

"The Air Force is going to help me become a better person, go far in my career and be very successful in life," Franco said.

Franco plans to attend the six-week Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss. and graduate as an aerospace control and warning systems specialist.