Iceman in Action: Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik, the 354th Fighter Wing NCO in-charge of chapel plans and programs, stops work for a brief photo July 29, 2015, in the Base Chapel at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Vahalik said the favorite part of her job is being able to help and encourage Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel/Released)

Iceman in Action: Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik, the 354th Fighter Wing NCO in-charge of chapel plans and programs, prepares communion prior to a service July 29, 2015, in the Base Chapel at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Vahalik assists chaplains, who help provide moral and spiritual growth opportunities for the military community and their dependents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel/Released)

Iceman in Action: Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik, the 354th Fighter Wing NCO in-charge of chapel plans and programs, responds to Airmen about an upcoming white water rafting trip, July 29, 2015, in the Base Chapel at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Vahalik coordinated multiple retreats hosted by the chapel, which helped raise morale for Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel/Released)

Iceman in Action: Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik

Published Aug. 14, 2015
By Senior Airman Ashley Nicole Taylor
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA -- Rank and Name: Staff Sgt. Jen Vahalik

Duty Title: NCOIC, Plans and Programs, 354th Fighter Wing chapel

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Serving in the Air Force opens up a whole different world of opportunity for learning and growing. Those who serve are able to experience different cultures and countries they may never have seen. Having the opportunity to serve those in uniform is a privilege.

What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? We have had a few hard things happen to the Iceman Team over the past few months. It has been an honor to be able to serve and be a support during those times.

What is your favorite part of your job? I love being able to help and encourage Airmen and their families whether they are having a hard day or they have had something painful crash into their world.

Who inspires you and why? At my last assignment I was able to volunteer with an organization that had an adaptive surfing program for wounded veterans. It was so inspiring to watch those who had lost a limb be able to get up on a surfboard. They were willing to try something new and not let their injury define them.

What's your favorite part about being in Alaska? I enjoy the unique beauty Alaska offers. Winter is very cold and yet it is so pretty with the snow covering the trees and the northern lights at night. Summer is filled with so many wild flowers that I have never seen anywhere else. The wildlife is abundant and very different from other places I have lived. Alaska is such a beautiful place to be.