Member Snapshots

Major (S) Shawnee Williams, a physiologist assigned to the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB NM, recently won the Brig Gen Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award. Presented annually, the award is for demonstrated visionary leadership that expands opportunities for women and use innovation to inspire others to see the Air Force as a positive place for women to share their talents. Shawnee’s typical day is not unlike others who wear the uniform, but her commitment to putting an operational emphasis on all that she does really spotlights her as innovative in her personal and professional development. Specifically, Shawnee demonstrated leadership and innovation by managing the human performance training program at Kirtland AFB. A unique environment, the mission at Kirtland is grounded in preparing Special Operations crews for the rigors of high ops tempo in austere battlefields. Through her work as wing life support officer and night vision goggle instructor, she integrated safety analysis to operations of CV-22, MH-60, and C-130 aircrews through academic instruction for physiology and airsickness management. She led the establishment of Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device training for AETC CV-22 aircrew and was a prominent spokesperson for performance-based programs including fitness and hearing protection. Shawnee’s achievements are also reflected in her academic prowess as she completed academic requirements and a comprehensive exam for a Doctorate in Psychology, and was selected as the Biomedical Scientist of the Year for Air Education and Training Command. A committed community leader, Shawnee orchestrated cadet days for the local ROTC Detachment, volunteered at the Road Runner Foodbank, and hosted 45 international Flight Safety Officers from 30 partner nations in academic sessions on Human Factors procedures & mishap investigation. Shawnee Williams is a terrific example of the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by women who serve in the United States Armed Services and is a great touchstone for all that we do in Aerospace Physiology!