BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California -- “I’ve had a lot to overcome in the past couple years. In 2016, I was tested for a gene linked to breast cancer, called the BRCA 1 mutation, since multiple women in my family have battled it. After testing positive and being told I had a very high risk for developing breast cancer by age 40, I decided to go through with preventative surgery and treatment. It’s a long process but it’s becoming more common for women to go through, rather than fighting the cancer when it comes. After that, things started calming down and in May of 2017, my kids and I moved into a new home. Just when I thought things could only get better, we lost the house to a fire, only two days after moving in. Luckily nobody was home at the time. My family and I had to stay in hotels and billeting for the next two-and-a-half months. People kept asking if I was worried about getting my things out of my house, but when I thought about it, I realized I already had the best things with me… my family. They’ve gotten me through all the hardships and helped me learn to appreciate what I have and to keep moving forward. I’m happy to put a lid on the box for 2017 and move on to 2018. I’m looking forward to a new start, new beginnings and new adventures.”
Senior Airman Adenna Zimmerman, 940th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bio environmental engineer
Hometown: Half Moon Bay, California
(Each month, we share a story of a reservist through a photo, simple quote or article. The goal of this project, similar to the 9th Public Affairs' Faces of Beale, is to learn more about Citizen Airmen. Whether traditional or full-time, every reservist has a unique story and adds to what makes us part of the world's greatest Air Force.)