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Through Airmen’s Eyes: award winning Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
It's not often we get the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream and serve your country at the same time.

Airman 1st Class Savella Constancio, 436th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate military justice paralegal, has come a long way from her backyard in Texas to being recognized as Team Dover's Airman of the Month.

Constancio, who is a native of San Antonio, Texas, grew up an Air Force brat, with both of her parents serving in the Air Force. Constancio said being an Airman is the fulfillment of a lifetime goal.

"My mother and father both served in the Air Force," said Constancio. "It was something I always planned on doing since I was a child. I use to do obstacle courses in my backyard training for basic training."

Tech. Sgt. Shannycia Smith, 436th AW/JA NCO in charge of the Law Center and supervisor, said in the seven months since Constancio been here she's been selected twice as the JA Performer of the Month and she was also recognized as 436th AW Airman of the Quarter for the third quarter in 2013.

"Airman 1st Class Constancio has the rank of an Airman but the ethic of an NCO," said Smith. "She is usually the first in and the last to leave. She gives great attention in assuring her work product is the best."

Constancio said she has recently been assigned as a discharge paralegal and helps in the process of discharging Airmen who don't belong in the Air Force.

"I sometimes joke around and think of us as a clean-up crew," said Constancio. "We get out Airmen who don't strive to be the best in our Air Force."

One person who inspires Constancio is her mother. Constancio's mother medically retired from the Air Force with multiple sclerosis.

"My mother was diagnosed with MS when I was a young child," said Constancio. "I have always admired her. I have been taught by the strength of what she has had to overcome and by every scenario her illness brings her through."

When Constancio is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and working out. Some of her hobbies include running, mountain biking and studying for nursing school.

Constancio, who hopes to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, is currently working on becoming a commissioned officer and wants to attend the Nurses Enlisted Commissioning Program.

"It's great to be recognized for your hard work," Constancio said. "I am always striving to do and be my best.