JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – It’s Mission Monday! This week, we highlight Tonda Sallee, a program management specialist with the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Branch, or REPI, at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center here.
Tonda, as part of the REPI team in the Installations Directorate, plays a vital role in ensuring mission readiness by strategically acquiring land around installations, mitigating encroachment threats and promoting compatible land use. This proactive approach is dedicated to protecting the Air Force mission through strategic land acquisition and environmental stewardship.
“Military service is deeply ingrained in my family,” said Sallee, whose father, uncles, and brother all served. “Joining the military was a natural progression for me.” Her own Air Force career has been diverse included service with the Air National Guard and as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee in South Korea.
We asked Sallee, an Albuquerque, New Mexico native, to tell us more about her work with the REPI team.
Briefly tell us why you joined the Air Force.
I was inspired to serve by my family’s legacy of military service. The Air Force presented an opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself and make a real difference.
What do you love about your job?
REPI allows me to combine my passion for the environment with my commitment to the Air Force mission. We find creative solutions that enhance mission readiness while promoting sustainability and protecting valuable natural resources.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
The dedication of my teammates and the positive impact of our work are incredibly motivating. Knowing that we contribute to the well-being of Airmen, Guardians, and the environment fuels my drive.
Why are you and your team important to the Department of the Air Force?
We ensure the Air Force can operate and train effectively while being a responsible environmental steward. Our work protects the health of Airmen and nearby communities, safeguarding the future of our installations.
Describe a project/event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
Collaborating with the Joint Base San Antonio Sentinel Landscapes team at Camp Bullis has been incredibly rewarding. By working together with DoD, other agencies, and local partners, we’re preserving water resources, mitigating wildfire risk, and protecting critical habitat for endangered species. (For more on the Sentinel Landscape project: https://www.afimsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3704738/unique-afcec-projects-help-installations-stay-mission-ready/)
How does what you do support the warfighter and DAF installations?
REPI directly supports AFIMSC’s priorities by enhancing readiness, strengthening Airmen, Guardians, and families, pursuing organizational excellence, and amplifying warfighter culture. We remove environmental constraints to mission execution, protect the health of our communities, optimize resource utilization, and safeguard training ranges for a more effective and sustainable force.
I power the world’s greatest Air Force by…
…helping to ensure that the Air Force can accomplish its mission while being a responsible steward of the environment. This approach contributes to long-term sustainability and strengthens the Air Force's relationship with the communities it serves.