Minot AFB spouse named Air Force Global Strike Command Volunteer of the year

Published March 3, 2016
By by Marissa Howard
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AFB, N.D. -- Sylvia Wages, spouse of 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron specialist section chief MSgt. William Wages, was recently named Air Force Global Strike Command Volunteer of the year.

Wages, an active member of the Air Force Association, Chapter Advocate for Military Spouses Advocacy Network and Key Spouse for the 5th Maintenance Squadron and 5th AMXS, is no stranger to life in the military. She grew up as an Air Force dependent while her father served 30 years and recounts memories of the countless friends she met and how every new home was the promise of something different and exciting.
"Moving has always been an adventure--new people, new friends, new experiences," Wages said. "It's never been a burden to move."

This unique childhood may have been the foundation to the deep passion Wages fostered to do more than just sit on the sidelines. As Vice President of the Air Force Association here, Wages educates and promotes relationships between the community, military and civilians alike, which allows spouses to work side by side with their active duty member. As a Key Spouse, she is dedicated to creating and nurturing long lasting and supportive relationships between spouses that military families can rely on and cherish.

Wages believes strongly in helping others and volunteers her time to events both on and off base, such as the MXS Moral Feed, clothing drives, Airmen dorm trick or treat, Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Base Christmas Tree Lighting, where she dressed up as a Christmas tree and passed out hot cocoa and gifts to children. She is also a member of the Minot State University Bachelors of Nursing program, an active Sigma Delta and mother of three boys.

When Wages received the news that she was selected for the award, she said it was the last thing she expected to happen.

"You know when you do things out of love and affection, the last thing you would ever expect is to receive an award," said Wages. "At first it was 'I don't deserve this.' I'm only doing what we all do for each other. It's such an honor."

Wages said the award is a testament of the support, devotion and exceptional leadership of the Air Force family. The support she has received from the military has been a large part of the driving force behind her passion to do more, she explained. And at the end of the day, she is happy to simply say that she is married to an Airman.

"Being a military spouse makes me extremely proud--elated with happiness and joy," Wages said. "I watched my mother and father growing up, so I know how much it means to be supportive of an active duty member. It's a sacrifice, but a sacrifice we take for the love and the pride it brings to our country--really and truly. It makes me proud."

Wages will go on to compete at the Air Force level.