BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Most teenagers spend their summers working at fast food restaurants and hanging out with friends. In 1999, at the age of sixteen, Julia Nagle landed her first job as a summer hire with the 9th Operations Support Squadron.
Now, after eight years as a student hire in various administration positions across the base, Nagle is training her replacement at the 940th Logistics Readiness Squadron. She will say goodbye to her Air Force "family" on Dec. 31 and begin the next chapter of her life.
Nagle admits that she wasn't exactly in a hurry to graduate. She enjoyed attending school part-time and working part-time. She said being at Beale made her feel at home.
"The 940th is huge on family," said Nagle. "It is fun here, and everyone looks out for each other."
Just like a family, Nagle said there were disagreements, but it didn't mean the end of the world. "You still like each other, and you still come to work," Nagle said.
During her time with the 940th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Nagle said she learned to deal with a variety people and challenging situations. She said the experience taught her valuable customer service skills. At only 27, she feels that she has completed a career's worth of work.
"I've learned how to deal with different personalities and how to better service those individuals to meet their individual needs," said Nagle.
Nagle admitted she'll even miss receiving calls after hours from squadron members for help on travel voucher and other administrative forms.
"Sometimes, calls early in the morning can be a little frustrating," said Nagle. "But I feel like it's my life, so it's ok."
Working with Reservists and seeing what Airmen do on a daily basis, Nagle acknowledges she has some regrets about not joining the military herself.
"Seeing what you guys do makes me regret that I didn't have the guts to sign up for the military when I was 18," said Nagle.
Still, Nagle is content as she bids her time at Beale goodbye.
"My job title says 'student hire.' But when I look at everything that I've done, I've accomplished more than my friends have in their jobs," said Nagle. "I'm thankful I've had this opportunity."