914 ASTS shows support with pink shirts

Published Aug. 4, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Stephanie Clark
914th Public Affairs

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- The wingman concept came from the first pilots to take to the skies. While in flight, the wingman of the lead pilot would hang back a few feet and off to either side. The position would allow the wingman to watch and provide support when needed. Each backed the other up.

Airmen don't need to be pilots to utilize this concept, as it is practiced here between members of the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.

Master Sgt. Anne Davis, a veteran of 16 years in the Air Force Reserves has served her entire career here at Niagara in the 914 ASTS as a Non Commissioned Officer of education and training. During her tenure, Davis has deployed to Iraq three times.

Recently, Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Because of her condition, she is unable to work except for UTA weekends. Thus, this is her only source of income for the time being.

Davis, though limited by her illness, puts her all into her duties as a reservist and played a critical role in preparing for a Health and Services Inspection, said Master Sgt. Les Blue, 914 ASTS First Sergeant.

To show their support for Master Sgt. Davis, members of the 914th ASTS wore pink tee shirts and organized a cookout.

Davis's friends and family had also organized a basket raffle to raise funds which will pay for copays and Tricare premiums for her treatment through the upcoming year.

"I've heard of the Air Force family but I never truly felt it until I walked into that classroom full of people in pink shirts," said Davis.

"We hear all the negative about what's going on lately in the Air Force, but this is what we're really about,", stated Blue.

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