Leading by example: Senior Airman Savia Anderson

  • Published
  • By Kelly Owens
  • 624th Regional Support Group ASTS
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  

Meet Pacific Warrior Senior Airman Savia Anderson!

Anderson, a dental tech with the 624 Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS), made an immediate impression on her supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Modesty Mullins, non-commissioned officer in-charge (NCOIC) of dental for the squadron, when she first came on board in late 2019.

“She gets stuff done, is consistent and provides innovative ideas to make things easier,” said Mullins. “People gravitate toward her because of her ability to establish positive relationships and because she is approachable and helpful. When we were going through Genesis training, she took it upon herself to create a training pamphlet to use during the transition.”

And she is always looking for ways for the squadron to get involved in the community.

“Before Thanksgiving, she coordinated a fundraiser to donate goods and funds to our local food pantry,” said Mullins. “And she’s working now on getting members to participate in an upcoming blood drive.”

The food bank effort, spearheaded by Anderson, raised more than $500 in a single UTA weekend – and it was that effort that earned Anderson a Quarterly Award.

“In the Air Force, our people are the difference, and Senior Airman Anderson epitomizes what we need from our officers and enlisted. She gives freely of her time and inspires others through her actions,” said Col. Edward G. Johnson, commander of the 624 ASTS. “Her enthusiasm and positivity are infectious; she is an amazing Pacific Warrior!”

Growing up in Albany, Georgia, Anderson was taught the value of giving back to her community through various activities, like street cleanups and food bank drives, so altruism is part of who she is. In fact, when she’s asked about which of the three Air Force core values most resonate with her, the answer is immediate: “Service over self,” she says.

The future is bright

Anderson originally joined the Air Force Reserves four years ago to make earning a degree more accessible. Her service has enabled her to earn two associates degrees – one in pharmacy technician, the other in early childhood education.

While she has options for her future, she’s confident that the connections she has made and the skills she has refined as a Reserve Citizen Airman will only benefit her in her future endeavors.

Today, Anderson works for the Naval Health Clinic to ensure the medical readiness of the Marines, Coast Guard and Navy.

When asked to share a piece of advice with her fellow Airmen, Anderson answered thoughtfully.

“One lesson I’ve learned from the Air Force Reserves is perseverance,” she said. “I grew up in a city that is ranked seventh out of the 50 worst cities to live in. Don’t let statistics define what your future will look like. You can overcome adversity. Things don’t always go how you want them to go, but you keep going. You strive for excellence, do the right thing and stay true to yourself.”

It’s advice she also tries to instill in her 11-year-old sister, Kamiya.

“She follows me to a T,” said Anderson. “Every little accomplishment I make, she wants to hear about it so she can top or outdo me. I try to be a positive influence for her to look up to.”

Soon, Anderson will have another person to serve as a role model for; she and her husband, who serves as an aircraft maintenance technician for active duty, will welcome their first baby. In the meantime, she’s happy taking in the scenery of Hawaii, traveling and enjoying a good movie night.