Aviano's Finest Airman Basic-Technical Sergeant Category

  • Published
  • By 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 31 FW/PA
Aviano Air Base --  First & Last Name:  Yolonda Askew

Rank:  Technical sergeant

Unit: 31st Medical Operations Squadron

Duty Title: Family Practice Clinic NCO in charge

How long have you worked for the military? 14 years

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission? I provide oversight of the Family Practice and Preventive Health Assessment clinics. I also deliver patient-centered health care to our active duty, their beneficiaries, civilians, and contractors. As a combat medic, I help to ensure our military members are deployment ready, while rendering a myriad of medical services within my scope of practice to our Aviano family, thus contributing to maintaining a healthy community.

What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture? Since being here in Italy, I've learned that the Italians typically have a very light breakfast (e.g. café and brioche or cold cuts), a large midday meal, which is considered their dinner, and a small afternoon meal with a cup of tea to wind down for the evening.

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas? The incredible opportunities and different means of transportation to explore the country in which I live or have previously lived, (e.g. Japan). I love the train systems in these countries, and both are just breathtakingly beautiful places!

What's your favorite European destination and why? Hands-down, it would have to be Germany! The food is wonderful, and the sights are amazing! My dad served two separate tours there when my brothers and I were younger, so we practically grew up on the German culture. My brother speaks the language fluently. To this day, I still have German friends who reside in Stuttgart as teachers, and with whom I remain in close contact with and visit periodically.