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NEWS | Oct. 27, 2024

Master Sgt. Kristen Windle: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication

By Erica Bodker West Virginia National Guard

Master Sgt. Kristen Windle has served the West Virginia Air National Guard since Feb. 6, 2011. Coming from Inwood, West Virginia, Windle now resides in Kearneysville and serves as operations group administer in the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Working with the operations group, Windle manages an array of responsibilities, including deployment manager, ensuring security and training compliance, oversees postal operations and acts as the emergency management representative ensuring smooth operations and preparedness.

Outside the military, Windle is working toward a degree in business administration, furthering her professional qualifications. Giving credit for her strong work ethic and values to her grandparents and parents while applying that ethic to all aspects of service.

Fully committed to her military career as an Active Guard Reserve member,. Windles goals reflect both her personal and professional growth, aiming to progress in rank and continuing to mentor fellow Airmen.

 “Ensuring that the Airmen under my guidance have an exceptional mentor is a priority.” Windle says, adding that she looks forward to retiring with pride, knowing she has made a difference.

Windles decision to join the military was influenced by education benefits offered, and she continues to take full advantage of them. Her husband, Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Windle, is also in the WVANG, serving as an evaluator loadmaster. This makes military service a shared family experience. They have two sons and she finding great joy in spending time with her family and supporting her children’s activities.

Among many moments in the Air Guard, one of Windle proudest is swearing into the West Virginia National Guard. It is something that changed her life and paved a way for her current career and personal growth. She treasures the experience of bringing her eldest son on a deployment to Hawaii, allowing him to witness firsthand what his stepfather does in the Guard.

“The camaraderie is one of the things I love best about the WVANG,” Windle says. She advises others thinking about enlisting or commissioning to embrace both their failures and achievements, as valuable lessons can be learned from both.

At 34 years old, Master Sgt. Kristen Windle continues to serve with distinction, balancing her military career with her dedication to family a personal development.

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Video by Sgt. Cheryl Madolev, Staff Sgt. Mickey Miller, Sgt. Davis Rohrer
WVNG Best Warrior Competition 2024 Video
153rd Public Affairs Detachment
March 19, 2024 | 4:11
Soldiers and Airmen from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guard compete in the West Virginia National Guard Best Warrior Competition held April 19-21, 2024, at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of warrior training tasks including weapons proficiency on the M4 rifle, 9mm pistol, land navigation, physical fitness, combat first aid, tactical movements, communications, and professional development activities. Photos by 153rd Public Affairs Det., WVARNG
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