WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- For one Airman, the Air Force offered an opportunity to attain a higher education. What he did not expect was the in-person schooling on leadership he receives each day as the enlisted aide at the Air Force Materiel Command.
“I was excited to enlist because of the education benefits, getting the opportunity to travel, the work experience and also being part of a worldwide team dedicated to the same purpose,” said Staff Sgt. Martavious Miller, a Fort Mitchell, Alabama-native.
Miller started his career at Maxwell AFB, Alabama as a public health technician. He decided to apply for the enlisted aide special duty, a program available to Airmen who pass an extensive screening process.
“There were a lot of factors that contributed to my becoming an enlisted aide. The most notable of these factors was my eagerness to be challenged in a new way. I wanted to see what the Air Force looked like from a different lens and not just from the perspective of a medic,” said Miller.
Under AFMC Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Carl Schaefer’s guidance, Miller has received a better understanding of how the Air Force works. Not only is he an ambassador for his career field and for the Air Force, but he also understands that he has a duty much bigger than what he can see in his day-to-day job.
“Being a part of AFMC has broadened my scope because I get to understand the part we play. Maj. Gen. Schaefer has helped me a lot on comprehending how all of the MAJCOMs come together for one mission,” he said.
Miller’s duties can fluctuate depending on what the deputy commander has planned for the day. His duties range from prepping the deputy commander for travel, coordinating command events including those with international guests, being an enlisted liaison, housing manager and chef. The duties vary each day, but they provide a great exposure to life as a member of the service.
“The best part about working for Maj. Gen. Schaefer is the feedback he gives, and the compassion he has for those who work around him and with him. He actually makes an effort to care about the intricacies of what you do on a day-to-day basis,” said Miller. “When I first got here, he told me to find three things to keep me grounded that I could always fall back on if I am ever down or having a bad day. That advice helped me hone-in on the bigger picture.”
Being in the position to learn and observe from one of the leaders at AFMC is one opportunity that Miller will never forget. It’s not every day that an enlisted Airman has the opportunity to view the mission from the lens of a high-ranking senior leader.
“Getting to work alongside Maj. Gen. Schaefer everyday has opened my eyes to things that only experience can afford you. Witnessing the thought process of one of the Air Force’s senior leaders has allowed me to enhance the way that I look at task, handle situations and navigate adversity. This opportunity is posturing me to be an effective and invaluable leader to the Air Force in the years to come,” said Miller.
Due to his commitment and work ethic, Miller earned the award for the 2019 Air Force Enlisted Aide of the Year. With this role comes the duty to educate and inform those who desire to become aides in the future.
“If I could impart any wisdom on a future aide, it would be to stay true to themselves. Remember that your responsibilities as an Airman are not going away; they are increasing. Your character and work ethic define you. It is our responsibility to preserve the integrity of the career field and to foster positive perspectives regarding what we do,” said Miller.
The qualities of a leader form at the early stages of a career based on a person’s environment, and the leadership that they observe.
The Air Force builds leaders in different ways and in different fields. Those who are in the position to pass down what they learn have the power to shape the future of the Air Force and the Airmen who defend this nation.
This story is part of a series to show who the people are within AFMC. It features not just those who wear the uniform, but a diverse set of military and civilians across AFMC. Whether civilian or military, all are Airmen supporting the Air Force mission.