Meet the commander: Lt. Col. Charity Banks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Being familiar with taking command is nothing new for Tampa, Fla. native, Lt. Col. Charity Banks, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, but as a young girl, Banks wanted to be an astronaut.

The daughter of a retired master sergeant and oldest of three siblings, Banks always knew that the Air Force was for her. Right after graduating Jefferson High School in Tampa, she went to the United States Air Force Academy and graduated at the age of 22.

"I figured the best way to become an astronaut was to be a pilot and join the Air Force," Banks said. "So from a young age, I figured I would be in the military."

Becoming a pilot didn't work out for Banks, so she became a maintainer. If she couldn't fly an airplane, the closest thing was to work on planes and make sure they were safe and ready to fly.

Being a commander takes a lot of work, whenever Banks has free time she likes spending it with her husband and two children. She enjoys the outdoors, going to the beach, fishing, camping and swimming. Another hobby of hers is running and she tries to run two half marathons a year.

"I'm passionate about my family," Banks said. "Being a mother and in the Air force is tough, but I try to balance by taking care of my family here at work and my family at home. Those are my two priorities."

Her priorities have paid off.

One of the proudest moments for Banks was becoming a mother and helping a technical sergeant promote through Stripes for Exceptional Performers at Joint-Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

In addition to her priorities, Banks set herself goals. Entering the Air Force, Banks goal was to become a lieutenant colonel and squadron commander.

"I have accomplished my goals and I'm really happy where I am right now," Banks said. "When you're young it's hard to look into the future, but that's what you need to do, both personally and professionally. You always need to be thinking about what the future is going to bring."

Where her future has brought her, she said is a good place.

"It's so rewarding being a commander because you get to take care of your people and watch what they do and watch their accomplishments," Banks said. "I think it's one of the best jobs in the Air Force."