JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we’re celebrating by recognizing several of our teammates across the AFIMSC enterprise.
Meet Chief Master Sgt. Hope Skibitsky, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center command chief who is an aerospace medical service member by trade.
With more than 26 years in service to our nation, she helps bases across the globe by ensuring each installation operates effectively as a weapon system. The care for the warfighter and their families is at the forefront of planning and execution.
Here’s more on Skibitsky:
What do you enjoy most about being an Airman (military or civilian)?
I enjoy and take pride in contributing to our nation’s defense, taking care of others who serve and building a forever family of the people I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside.
If you could share one thing about your Asian American, Pacific Islander heritage, what would it be?
I have always liked how willing we are to share our culture, to bring others in and make them feel like they too can enjoy the food, family and traditions that we embody.
Why is it important to celebrate the history and heritage of every member of the AFIMSC team?
Celebrating heritage and history helps foster an atmosphere of understanding and appreciation for other people’s experiences, their culture, and their struggles and successes. This enables conversations so we can recognize what others’ perspectives bring to an organization.
What motivates and inspires you the most?
People inspire me the most. People who selflessly take care of other people; people who make things look easy; people who tackle hard things; people who love unconditionally; people who exude drive and determination; people who are just good people!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The military gives us an invaluable platform to embrace our individual cultures and identities while allowing us to blend into teams that challenge us to think bigger than ourselves. We have the privilege of demonstrating how the incredible diversity of our Air Force makes us so powerful.