Icewoman in action: celebrating Women's History Month part two

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Editor's note: This is part of a series celebrating Women's History Month.

I'm Tech. Sgt. Amanda Mueller, a 354th Medical Operations Squadron paramedic.

As a paramedic I care for people who live and work on Eielson. I work closely with the medical director and the flight medical team to support in-flight emergencies and work with the fire department and security forces during ground emergencies.

I never know what I am going to be facing on the other end of a phone call. I have to be prepared for anything, to include car accidents, sports injuries and even delivering infants. What separates me as a paramedic from other Airmen is being able to arrive on scene, put my emotions aside and approach a situation objectively.

Professionally, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in emergency management. One of my personal goals is to travel as much as possible. Since arriving here in Alaska, I have ventured through most of the state, traveled to two states I have never been to before and I have also crossed the ocean to Europe.

I love roaming the trails near Chena Lake with my dog, Molly. We try to get out as much as possible, weather permitting. This gives me the chance to enjoy Alaska's peaceful "last frontier" scenery. Also, in my free time I love inviting friends for dinner parties and hanging out over good food.

Before joining the military, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but I needed help with the details. I joined the Air Force for the opportunity to learn a variety of medical skills and allow me to travel the world.

I have deployed twice during my 12 years of service, both times working in the emergency room. My first deployment to Iraq gave me the opportunity to learn and grow as an emergency management specialist. It showed me what I was really made of. By my second deployment to Afghanistan a few years later, I was able to teach others the techniques I learned. Being able to practice and teach emergency management skills encouraged my passion and helped me to flourish.

Women in the military have progressed through leaps and bounds to get to where they are today. Females used to be required to wear skirts as part of their uniform, even if they were a nurse in a combat zone. I am grateful this has changed; we should take advantage of every opportunity to empower each other in our workspaces.

I'm very proud to serve my country. Every day I am able to put my uniform on, stand in front of the mirror and see the words 'U.S. Air Force' staring back at me. In some countries, women are not allowed to wear their nation's name on their shirt, let alone deploy in defense of the country they call home.