AFDW Capital Airman: Senior Airman Krystal Elmore

  • Published
  • By SSgt Matt Davis
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Joint Base Andrews --  Senior Airman Krystal Elmore, an Air Force District of Washington Capital Airman, directly impacts the National Capital Region mission with the Ceremonies and Protocol directorate every day. What makes her role as a protocol specialist even more unique is she is an Air Force Reservist.

Elmore's interest in joining the Air Force Reserves began in high school where she participated in ROTC in Anchorage, Alaska, and continued after she married an active duty soldier. When she was introduced to the Air Force Security Forces career field, she knew it was the job for her.

"I remember being at the Post Exchange with my husband and seeing a Security Forces Airman. She looked pretty tough," said Elmore. "I said, I don't know what she does, but that's what I want to do."

A few years after entering the Reserves as a Security Forces Airman, Elmore was assigned to Joint Base Andrews. She was quickly singled out as someone who would be a perfect fit for a protocol specialist position.

"I got a call from someone who told me they had an excellent job opportunity for me. They told me that I would work around senior leaders, and that I would have to be able to be comfortable around and honest with General officers," said Elmore. "I said I thought it would be a good fit."

Elmore interviewed for the position and was selected to work with AFDW's Ceremonies and Protocol Directorate. After being selected, she has participated in some of the biggest events which represent the entire Air Force. The retirement of the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General Larry Spencer was quite a memorable event for her.

"I expected his retirement speech to be about his whole career and the lessons he learned," said Elmore. "He did the exact opposite and didn't talk about himself. He shared about the people in his office. It almost brought me to tears."

Elmore remembers events like these and is an integral part of their success. She continues to serve on active status with the Ceremonies and Protocol Directorate and drill as a Reservist with the 459th Security Forces Squadron.

Air Force District of Washington Capital Airmen have made a difference in their unit by their outstanding performance. Capital Airmen, selected by AFDW leaders, epitomize the pride, teamwork, and success that drive the AFDW mission.