Contract for a hero

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dustin Mullen
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Everyone has their own definition and visualization when it comes to the word “hero.” For the 325th Contracting Squadron, the term brings to mind a face within the squadron.

Ms. Norma Myers, 325th CONS director of business operations, has spent nearly 30 years with the squadron, and has helped shaped it like no other.

Myers was born at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to an Air Force family. Before the bases were merged into a joint base, her father was stationed at McGuire AFB, which did not have a hospital, so she was born at Fort Dix.

Both of her parents are from North Carolina, so she chose to pursue school there. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in economics. She then went on to work for the Army as a civilian employee for a short time.   She married a man in the Air Force and shortly after, got orders to Tyndall.

“When I first arrived, I thought I would be here for a maximum of three years,” she laughed. “Next year you can add a zero to that number.”

Myers is an avid volunteer within the community. She has spent time serving meals to the less fortunate, participated in numerous fund raisers such as March of Dimes, and enjoys working with children.

“I truly like to support the local community,” Myers said.

Her favorite hobby is arts and crafts which she uses to serve within her church.

“I do a lot of crafting decorations for our vacation bible school,” she said. “There is a lot of work put into planning and preparing crafts for all the age groups and classes. Each year it is based on a theme and we make all new decorations.  We spend weeks before an actual event decorating and preparing the facilities to welcome the bible school students.”

With the nickname “Craft-O-Matic” given to her by her husband, it is easy to tell she has a passion for art work. It also helps balance the work she does on a daily basis.

“They both support each other,” she said. “If you have a project outside of office that you are working on, it helps breaks up the work week and gives you an enjoyable outlet.”

Part of her job within the 325th CONS is the small business program. This job helps her reach out and guide local small businesses who are interested in working on the base.

One of her proudest moments was when the squadron won Best in the Air Force in 2008 and Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Award in 2007.

“I got to meet the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley,” Myers said. “Two fellow contracting members and I were flown to the Pentagon to receive the award. So many people played a part in winning that award; it was such an honor to be able to accept it on behalf of the squadron.

“I truly love my contracting family and value the friendships and relationships formed over time,” she said with a smile.  “I am humbled to have been chosen and honored to be able to serve.”