DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Hard work has always been a part of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Loretta Washington’s life. From watching her parents work in the fields of New Zealand, to working diligently in the Air Force for the past 25 years, Chief Washington, the 355th Medical Support Squadron superintendent, understands that the best way to succeed in life is to be determined and unrelenting.
“I am the first of my family to join the U.S. military, become an American citizen, a college graduate, travel the world and I am the first female Samoan CMSgt in the Air Force,” said Washington.
Because Washington strives to give her best, she was able to make the rank of CMSgt in March of 2020. Due to her humble background and spirit, she shares her successes with all the important people in her life.
“My path to chief was never mine alone,” said Washington. “I am humbled every day to work alongside Airmen, who make up our great Air Force.”
She carries with her the philosophies of hard work, dedication and perseverance with the hope they will be passed on to her Airmen which will allow them to either meet or exceed her expectations.
“People often mistake my personality as being aggressive, but I am just assertive in matters that concern my Airmen’s growth,” said Washington.
Washington stands by the idea that Airmen are the foundation of the Air Force. She believes the first step in keeping the Air Force great is to ensure her Airmen are taken care of.
“My own charge as a chief is to make more chiefs,” said Washington. “The best way is to be honest and respectful of our Airmen’s desires. My dream was to become a chief and make my father proud. Each Airman has their own goals, my job is to make those dreams a reality.”
Washington supervises Airmen across the 355th MDSS and tries her best to ensure they achieve their full potential.
“To me, CMSgt Washington is like an Air Force marathon coach; she picks you up when you can’t run anymore and pushes you forward,” said Tech. Sgt. Gabriela Gonzales, 355th MDSS Resource Management Office flight chief. “It can be painful sometimes but she will be running right beside you, pushing you to be the best you can be. Her transparency and her motto ‘I expect nothing but the best from my Airmen’ has stuck with me all these years.”
Not only is Washington admired by her Airmen, but she is respected by her leadership as well.
“I have watched Chief Washington be a present leader at the 355th Medical Group,” said CMSgt Susan Hale, 355th MDG superintendent. “She demands superior performance and is involved with her Airmen at all levels. Her squadron is tougher, better and further developed due to her hands on leadership.”
Leaders like Washington are part of what allows the 355th Wing to continue leading the Air Force by creating strong, dependable Airmen.