SOUTHWEST ASIA –
This NCO is always there. If you're feeling down, she will comfort you. If you're eating by yourself, she will sit by you. And, if you're looking to improve your fitness, she'll whip your body into shape. She is... the ultimate wingman.
Meet Staff Sgt. Sokum Ouk, 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron fitness journeyman, deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and a native of Chester, Va. Her positive attitude, energetic personality and kindness will naturally bring a smile to your face.
"My goal is to make at least one person a day smile," Ouk said. "If I can get 20 or 30 smiles, that's even better. I get my high off of seeing people happy."
Although her job is aimed at keeping Airmen in shape, Ouk said she's also focused on morale.
"Morale is so important at a deployed location because we don't have our families and friends to lean on," she said. "Here, we are each other's family. So, if I don't see you at the gym, I'll find you at the dining hall, recreation center, or just walking around the base. And, I will make you smile."
With this positive attitude and genuine care for others, it doesn't come at much of a surprise that she has won several awards. Most recently, she was named 'Airman of the Year' by the 633rd Force Support Squadron at Langley AFB.
According to Lt. Col. Sara Custer, 332nd EFSS commander, Ouk is a superstar.
"She is an outstanding member of our team and we are very proud of her," Custer said. "I fully expect her to win at the group and wing level."
Looking back on her career, Ouk said it hasn't always been a cup of tea.
"I've been in my fair share of trouble," she said. "At one point I lost a stripe and had to spend 30 days in military confinement because I made poor decision with my government travel card."
With the help of good leadership, Ouk said she was able to bounce back from her mistakes.
"I was very fortunate to have one or two people who didn't write me off as a bad Airman," she said. "They gave me good advice and time off when I really needed it. When I was ready, they gave me opportunities to shine. Before I knew it, they were putting me in for awards."
Ouk said she uses this story to mentor others who have hit a rough patch in their careers.
"I want to be like the senior NCOs who helped me when I was in need," she said. "Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today."
EDITOR'S NOTE: Staff Sgt. Sokum Ouk is currently deployed from the 633rd Force Support Squadron to Southwest Asia.