A Proud Veteran

Introducing My Introducing My Mother, Mother, Master Sergeant Master Sergeant (Retired) Lakeisha Price Lakeisha Price

My mother, Master Sergeant (Ret.) LaKeisha Price served in the United States Air Force for multiple years. I was born on her fifth assignment in Hampton, VA and have some questions about her career. Today, she joined me in my home office to answer some unknown questions.

1.Why did you decide to join the Air Force? I decided to join the world’s most elite Air Force because of my elementary school’s education partners. They were a group of Airmen from Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL who would visit us and talk about their careers. During the holidays, the Air Force band would come to our school and play carols. I was impressed by their leadership and blue uniforms.

2. How long did you serve and what were your assignments?

I served a total of 20 years. My first assignment was to Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX for Basic Military Training. My second Assignment was to Langley AFB, Hampton, VA. My third assignment was my first to an overseas location and that was Al Udeid AB, Qatar. There I learned a lot about the Middle East and enjoyed shopping in their markets called “Souqs”. My fourth assignment was to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS. During that assignment, Hurricane Katrina hit the area and I was there for only six months. Because of the devastation in the area and lack of resources, I was relocated to Langley AFB, Hampton, VA for my fifth assignment. That’s where my handsome son Ashton was born. From there you and I traveled through West Virginia and Kentucky to Scott AFB, Belleville, IL. You made your first friend “KJ” there. Sadly, you could not accompany me on my next assignment and you moved to Augusta, GA to live with your grandparents. I traveled solo to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and resided at Eskan Village AB for one year. After that assignment, we joined forces and traveled to Hickam AFB, Honolulu, HI. There we got to island hop and explore volcano caves together. Next and finally 46 August/September 2020 we moved to Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL. It was quite amazing to end my career in the very location that I started it.

3. Which assignment was the best and which one was the worst? Throughout my career, I believed that each assignment, location and position presented new opportunities for me to grow professionally and personally. I used every opportunity to make myself better and leave each place in better shape than I found it for the next person. I remember being in Afghanistan and people always asked why I smiled or what made me smile. For me, it was simple, outside of my old Russian building were the most beautiful snow capped mountains that I got to look at every day. So, each assignment was great for me and I have great memories.

4. What made you decide to retire? When I had to leave you for Saudi Arabia, I promised you that I would do my best to ensure we weren’t separated too many more times. Additionally, I was ready for a new chapter in my life after having committed to service for 20 years. I wanted to do more for my family. So, I decided to hang up my boots. 5. Since you've retired, are there things you miss about the Air Force? Yes, I miss seeing my friends and getting to travel new places I’ve never been. I miss being a mentor to new Airmen leaving home for the first time and trying to find their way. Thankfully, we have technology that still allows me to connect with my friends and my mentees still share their good news with me and call me for advice.

Conclusion Out of all the questions I asked, they were all answered in the best way they possibly could be. This project could not be finished without her. A tribute to my mother, for being great in the military and a thanks for helping me complete this project, a hard working mom who cares for her children, and being a great mom overall.

Ashton, 11

THE KNOW HOW

49 Mind & Meditation 50 Cheer: Preparing for Tryouts 51 Butterflies vs. Moths 52 Drawing by Priya Jones 54 GSI: Infectious Disease 56 Growing through Challenges 58 Health & Wellness 60 Upcoming Fall Events 62 Get Involved!