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How AFMES members balance duty and community

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandra Minor
  • Armed Forces Medical Examiner System
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  At the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), the dedication to service transcends the lab coats and sterile environments of their daily responsibilities. These men and women are committed to something greater than themselves—both within the walls of their workplace and outside in the communities they serve. Three shining examples of this selflessness are Mr. Kenton Ellis, MSgt Alyssa Williams, and SPC Kaylaporsche Harley, whose volunteer work alongside their critical AFMES roles, reflects a common thread of compassion and leadership.

As the Logistics Warehouse Superintendent, Kenton Ellis oversees medical materials and supply chain operations, ensuring that AFMES continues to function seamlessly. His responsibilities include managing an inventory of over 337-line items valued at $622,000 and overseeing an annual average of 1,100 domestic and international shipments. Kenton also advocates for AFMES's Operational Security/Antiterrorism Program, safeguarding access for hundreds of visitors each year.

Yet, Kenton’s leadership extends far beyond logistics. He is also the driving force behind "G-Team," a community service and mentor group in Dover. Inspired by his own upbringing in less than desirable neighborhoods, Kenton focuses on giving back to communities that often feel overlooked. “My motivation comes from the simple philosophy of giving back and never forgetting where you came from,” Kenton shared. His volunteer work includes organizing neighborhood cleanups, community cookouts, and mentoring young men in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Kenton’s passion for uplifting others is deeply personal. He recalls a memorable moment when a mother asked him to inform her sons of their father's passing. “Without hesitation, I went, sat with them, cried with them, and embraced them,” he said. It’s this commitment to serving others, whether through logistics or community outreach, that makes Kenton an invaluable asset to both AFMES and the communities he supports.

MSgt Alyssa Williams, a Senior Enlisted Leader at AFMES, plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s enlisted personnel while balancing a commitment to her community. MSgt Williams volunteers with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, representing the best interests of children in foster care. “I’ve always known about this program, but after moving to Delaware, I finally had the time to dedicate myself to it,” Williams explained.

Through her work with CASA, MSgt Williams gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that children and families in the foster system face, especially those dealing with addiction. “You always want to see the positive in people, but it’s hard when they don’t follow through, even after being given resources,” she reflected.

Balancing her professional and volunteer roles requires planning, but Williams finds fulfillment in both. “As a Senior Enlisted Leader, it’s my responsibility to take care of the people around me, and CASA allows me to do that on a deeper level,” she said. Williams’s involvement in the program has not only enhanced her emotional intelligence but also reminded her of the importance of community. “Volunteering outside of work lets people understand there is more purpose than just work,” she added.

SPC Kaylaporsche Harley, a Mortuary Affairs Specialist at AFMES, is another exemplary figure who balances a demanding career with her passion for helping animals. SPC Harley's responsibilities at AFMES include but are not limited to assisting with autopsies, conducting eviscerations, inventorying specimens, and photographing each case. Despite her crucial role, Harley finds time to volunteer at a local animal shelter and PetSmart.

Her journey into volunteering was inspired by adopting her cat, Briar, from a shelter. "Shelters are a tough place, and the only chance sheltered animals get to feel 'normal' is when volunteers cater to them," Harley shared. Initially, she spent her free time walking dogs and playing with cats at a local shelter, but due to scheduling conflicts, she transitioned to volunteering at PetSmart, where she helps care for cats from Purrfect Haven Cat Rescue.

For Harley, volunteering is more than just an activity, it’s a way to cope with the stress of her job and a healthy distraction that brings joy to her life. "Volunteering is a hobby, a healthy distraction. It brings as much peace to me as it does to the animals," she said. Her work with animals has not only enhanced her personal life, but has also laid the groundwork for her future goal of fostering animals and accumulating over 500 service hours.

Though Ellis, Williams, and Harley serve in different capacities, their volunteer efforts share a common goal: improving the lives of those around them. Whether it’s providing mentorship to young men, advocating for children in foster care, or helping animals in need, all three individuals are driven by a desire to uplift others. Their work within AFMES is a testament to their commitment to service, but it’s their contributions outside the office that truly set them apart.

As Mr. Ellis, MSgt Williams, and SPC Harley demonstrate, the success of AFMES is not only built on expertise and efficiency but also on the character of its people. By balancing their professional responsibilities with community service, they exemplify the values of compassion, leadership, and dedication that make AFMES a beacon of excellence within the Department of Defense.

Their efforts remind us that service doesn’t stop at the workplace door; it extends into every facet of life. And in doing so, they not only contribute to the mission of AFMES, but also strengthen the communities they touch.