Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base -- U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Shandra Andress, the Knowledge Operations Manager for the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Communications Flight, 151st Air Refueling Wing, has tenured a diverse 15 year career, starting with humble beginnings in 2008 as Commander's Support Staff for Alaska Air National Guard”s 168th Operations Group, 168th Air Refueling Wing.
“Transfering from the Alaska Air National Guard to Utah was a huge difference, but it was definitely a change for the positive,” Andress said. “Here in Utah, you get all four seasons, but above all else, it feels like a family here, with a great environment and the feeling like you belong.”
Andress started her Career in the UTANG in 2014 and continued on as commander support staff for the 151st Operations Group. As many do, Andress strived to prove herself and to her leadership by taking on additional duties where she would eventually earn a place in the senior non-Commissioned officer ranks as a Master Sergeant. In 2018, Andress secured a position as the Knowledge Manager for the 151st Communications Flight.
“My responsibilities with my full-time job in the Guard include Records Management, Freedom of Information Act liaison and SharePoint administrator.” Andress said. “My main priorities during drill weekend, is to take care of our troops as the Communications Flight Commander's Support Staff, taking care of orders, and writing awards among other things.”
Andress also dedicates her time to volunteer to help high school students learn about their freedoms and the history of our country by participating in the Utah National Guard’s Annual Freedom Academy.
“I've been a counselor for the last four years,” said Andress. “I mentor eight to twelve high school students for an entire week, where we take them to the Capitol building, we take them to a federal court sentencing hearing where they get to see somebody sentenced for a federal crime. We also toured the federal prison to see where they would go after their sentence. It shows the students that we have so many freedoms that are just so delicate and they can be taken at any time.”
Andress goes on to say that she is proud to be a part of The Utah Air National Guard and that it has given experience and knowledge as an airman and senior non-commissioned officer that has shaped her as the leader she is today.
“The Utah Air National Guard is just a small quaint little base with a huge mission. What we do here is incredible for how small the base is and so I'm proud to be a part of that for the entire Air National Guard.”