FEATURES

Superstar gets super job

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles
  • Nellis Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  A smile that can brighten the room, a personality that can motivate a snail and a determination that exemplifies the best of the Air Force core values are a few examples used to describe Master Sgt. Andrea Cowper. 

Sergeant Cowper was the 99th Air Base Wing command section superintendent when she was selected as the newest administrative assistant to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley as of Jan. She begins her new job Jan. 19. 

To win this new position, Sergeant Cowper was picked out of several hundred Airmen who had applied through the highly competitive and extensive selection process. Then, she was chosen to interview with Secretary Donley's staff at the Pentagon. 

Throughout the entire application process, Sergeant Cowper had the encouragement and full backing of her Air Force family at the 99th ABW staff agency. 

"I was so nervous to go to Washington, D.C.," said Sergeant Cowper. "Chief Master Sgt. Robert Brooks [99th ABW command chief master sergeant] and Master Sgt. Robin Brooks [Thunderbirds first sergeant] were a huge help in preparing me for the interview process. I could not have done it without them and the help of the entire wing staff. They supported me so much." 

However, being qualified for this coveted position was not the only reason why she was selected. Many people who had worked with Sergeant Cowper said it was her stellar attitude that most likely won over the secretary's staff. 

"I told Sergeant Cowper before her interview to just be herself," said Chief Brooks. "Her always refreshing attitude is what was going to solidify the job for her. It is very hard not to just be motivated while you are around her." 

Sergeant Cowper's new position comes as a reward for the hard work and positive attitude she demonstrated while doing her job every day. She will undoubtedly excel in her new position just as she excelled as a valued member of the 99th ABW, said Chief Master Sgt. Brooks.