Contracting Specialist displays ‘Service Before Self’

  • Published
  • By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Name and Rank: Tech. Sgt. Tamika L. Ortiz

Unit: 48th Contracting Squadron

Duty Title: Contracting specialist

Time in Service: 12 years 2 months

Time at RAF Lakenheath: 5 months

Hometown: Tulare, Calif.

Hobbies: Baking, reading and spending time with my family

Core Value Portrayed: 'Service Before Self'

How does the individual portray that core value? Ortiz demonstrated "Service Before Self" upon her arrival to the 48th Contracting Squadron five months ago. As a new retrainee, she has aggressively focused on mastering her contracting skills while at the same time taking on leadership roles within the organization. In the midst of one of the most challenging end of fiscal years to date, she took on Information Assurance Officer duties in preparation for the 2013 Command Cyber Readiness Inspection. Her attention to detail was instrumental in the 48th Communication Squadron receiving two "Outstanding" ratings. Additionally, Ortiz took on the business advisor role for the 48th MDG. She worked long hours to expedite the upgrade for a 41-year old Nurse Call Station notification system, which greatly enhanced critical life-saving minutes. Despite her limited experience in contracting, she brought to fruition the 3-year ongoing project in a record two months. Her selfless commitment to 48th CONS and their customers is her first priority and a prime example for Airmen.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Serving in the Air Force is important to me because I am honored to be in the small percentage of Americans that raise their right hand and swear to defend those things our country holds dear and most sacred; our rights, freedom's and way of life.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? I am glad to be an active duty Airman. I originally enlisted in 2000, as a security forces member. I was retrained to traffic management office due to an injury. I subsequently separated and after knocking on many recruiters' doors was finally able to get back into the AF a year and a half later. In August of 2002 I became a dental technician, 11 years later when the Air Force said they needed me to cross train. Now, I enjoy being a contract administrator, learning something new every day and making an impact on multiple missions daily.

What are your personal and/or professional goals? My professional goal is to reach my contracting acquisition professional development program levels and skill levels commensurate with my rank. Also, I would like to finish my Bachelor's degree and complete a Master's degree before retirement. My personal goal is to take full advantage of being overseas and travel with my family.

What is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the contracting career field is that one day is never like the next. Each day I learn something new and interesting. This job is always evolving and requires me to stay attuned to what's going on in the economy and the world. I enjoy working with and supporting different units and bases across the U.K. I also feel fortunate to be able to experience and influence the strong business relationship our country has built with our host nation.