TESTIMONIALS

Gallery & Testimonials

Sharon Adams

US Air Force

I’m a veteran of the United States Air Force. I enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) in March 1985. I joined the US military for two (2) reasons. First, an education and second, I wanted to travel and see the world. This was my first time away from home at the age of 18. The training at bootcamp was harder than I expected but I made it through. When I completed my training my confidence was up. I was running at least 3 miles, doing pushups, learned to shoot a gun, made it through with confidence. I learned so many things about myself during my tour in the Air Force. I learned many leadership skills that I have used during my years in the MTA workforce. I learned the importance of being a team player. We had to help and support each other in order to function as a one unit. I learned to lead by example and I can do anything that I put my mind to. I also learned how to be independent. I was on my own for the first time in my life. I attended Kessler AFB in Mississippi to train as an Admin, my job. After graduating I was blessed to be sent to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma to work with a mobile squadron, Air Warning and Control Squadron (AWACS), E3 aircraft. The aircraft is able to detect, track, identify and report potentially hostile aircraft operating at low altitudes, as well as provide fighter control of Allied aircraft. I made many friends from all over the world and from all walks of life and had opportunities to travel to many countries. When I think about all that I received from the USAF I count it as a blessing. I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything. Thank you for allowing me to share some of my thoughts.

Joseph Gamez
Marine Corps

Twenty years of service in the Marine Corps significantly contributed to my successes in the MTA. Fifteen of those years were working in the tactical vehicle fleet transportation and maintenance specialty while the other five I worked as a drill instructor (trainer) for enlisted recruits and officer candidates. The Esprit de Corps (the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group) infused in us is lifelong that’s why you’ll always see young and elderly vets wearing their veteran garb at all times all around the country. When I was offered the opportunity to work for the Department of Buses as a maintenance manager, I was ecstatic!!! To think that I would now be privileged enough to use all of the technical and leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities in the city of my youth, was and continues to be one of my greatest joys. Today, I can proudly state that I’ve been in public service (Federal & State) for 35 years and counting. If you’re a veteran, come join our ranks! The Transit Veterans Association awaits YOU!!!

Akeem James
US Air Force

Integrity First. Service Before Self, and Excellence in ALL THAT WE DO! These are the Core Values of the United States Air Force and the ethos that I strive to embody daily as a New York City Transit employee. I am immensely appreciative of the great level of responsibility I was entrusted with as a wee 18-year-old Airman. I also feel blessed that I am afforded the opportunity of a high level of responsibility in my position at the NYCT. My time spent in the Air Force envelops me with a tangible self-testament inspiring me to reflect upon the challenges I’ve overcome. Through the process of reflection, I'm fueled to pursue and meet head on growth opportunities that often arise with the wishful intent to forge a way with this new Team here at NYCT. I find myself often in self-reflection; inventorying how could I have been a better Airman in the Air Force. I use this time not to self-deprecate but as a means for self-coaching - now that I’m a lot older than 18 and can better understand the ethic and wisdom that was instilled in me back then. On a daily basis, I veraciously seek improvement opportunities to humbly and effectively affect positively all that I interact with. As a civilian, I’m often misunderstood and have to at times curtail my tenacity. At times, I feel that I am purposefully put down by those that cannot understand my intent to make things better around me. Nevertheless, the Airman’s Creed will never die within me. I strive to, in a collaborative and understanding way, weave the camaraderie, respect, espirit de corps, attention to detail, situational awareness and overall ethic of the United States Air Force into the everyday culture of my workspace. Huah!

If you are interested to submit a testimonial, please email Jesse Sze at jesze@mtahq.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

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