AFMC Command News

Balancing Act: Hanscom sergeant strives for excellence

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  "Bloom where you're planted" was the advice given to one Airman upon her arrival here in 2003. Eager to make every day count by finding that delicate balance between an Air Force career, a family and being a volunteer in her community, that advice did not fall on deaf ears.

Then Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Brister has taken that advice to heart and was a shining example as she received a promotion to the rank of master sergeant from Lt. Gen. Chuck Johnson, Electronic Systems Center commander through the Stripes for Exceptional Performer, or STEP, program Feb. 25.

"It was amazing. My husband [Master Sgt. Michael Brister] and I were both shocked," Sergeant Brister said. "At the time, I was thinking that the only thing that could make the moment perfect would be to have my children there with me and the next thing I know there they were, someone had taken it upon themselves to go get them so they could share in the moment. That's a true testimony to the wonderful friends and co-workers that I have at Hanscom."

"Master Sgt. Brister is a superb Senior NCO and, she was one long before she was STEP promoted into the Senior NCO corps," said Lt. Col. Chuck Denmark, 66th Mission Support Squadron commander.

In the 16 years that she has called the Air Force home, Sergeant Brister has had many accomplishments both professionally and personally.

Her first assignment landed her more than 4,000 miles from home at Aviano Air Base, Italy working in the manning control office. There she was responsible for in-processing all newcomers to the base and as a note of things to come, received senior airman Below the Zone promotion.

That was a great first assignment, having grown up in the small town of Gwinn, Mich., to have the opportunity to live overseas was an exciting opportunity, she said.

When Sergeant Brister talks about her Air Force career it's the people that clearly stand out. "Throughout my career, I've always tried to surround myself with good people and then learn from them. I like to find good qualities that I admire in people that I can incorporate into my own life."

This technique has worked well for her.

"Cheryl is one of those rare individuals with great technical and analytical skills, and even greater leadership skills," Colonel Denmark said. "She has the ability to make folks feel they are a vital part of a team and that they are part of something much larger than themselves."

At the end of the day Sergeant Brister said that one of the biggest challenges is balancing her time so that she can care for her family and dedicate time to the volunteer work she enjoys.

The Brister's have five children at home ranging in age from 7 to 12. "I'd like to say I'm Wonder Woman but I'm not," Sergeant Brister said. "My kids and husband allow me to be successful. We all pitch in and fill in the holes when necessary. I have wonderful friends and I've learned that you have to rely on other people for assistance."

Beaming with pride, she talks about how each of her family members supports one another with their individual qualities and strengths.

"My family is very important to me. At the end of the day being a parent is the most important job. When my Air Force career is over I want to be sure that my family knows who I am. It's all about finding the right balance between work, family and other activities. It's not easy but it can be done."

Sergeant Brister enjoys having the opportunity to do volunteer work too, especially that which involves children and veterans' homes. "I've always loved being around kids, it's important for them and the community in general to see us involved. I also believe that we have a responsibility not to forget those veterans who have served their country."

Singing is another passion the sergeant has and often volunteers her talent at various events around the base.

As for advice she would offer young Airmen coming up through the ranks, she encourages them to focus on academics early on and she said, "Be honest with others and yourself, it's worked for me -- what you see is what you get."