Moreno Valley Chamber honors 4 AF sergeant

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Linda E. Welz
  • Fourth Air Force Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Tech. Sgt. Ameerah Beyah-Brewer, a 4 AF client support administrator at March Air Reserve Base, recently was honored for her military service with a breakfast and framed certificate during the Wake Up Moreno Valley chamber meeting at Hometown Buffet. 

The honoree, who is currently attending the Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Peterson AFB, Colo., began her military career in June 1997. After Basic Military Training, she was assigned to McClellan AFB, Calif., and then to Dyess AFB, Texas, where she was an administrator in security forces before being persuaded to become a workgroup manager. 

"I was ragged on for a bit, being the only girl in an office full of guys," said Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer. "But I got tough and made sure I learned everything I could about hardware, software and the network." 

The honoree volunteered for one tour of military duty in the Middle East in 2001, while assigned to Dyess AFB, and has volunteered for a second tour in the region upon her return from the NCO Academy. 

It is no accident that she was selected to be honored by the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce, said Lt. Col. Ted Dimitt, Director, Communications and Information, Fourth Air Force. 

"Ameerah projects a personal drive for excellence - a whole-hearted positive attitude that lifts everyone around her. She is a highly skilled technician, but much more than that, she is a highly successful person," he said. 

Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Thornton, Fourth Air Force command chief, said Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer, and her supervisor, Master Sgt. Janet Young, are the backbone for computer support for the more than 100 people in the numbered air force. 

Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer was selected from the nominees submitted to the Fourth Air Force Top Three organization for her outstanding military service, volunteer work, educational pursuits, and commitment to excellence. 

Master Sgt. Young thanked her subordinate for the outstanding work she does, and presented her with two tickets to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing's Military Ball on behalf of the Top Three organization. 

"Tech. Sgt Beyah-Brewer is very professional when it comes to work," Master Sgt. Young. "I don't have to go behind her and clean up any errors. She is organized and reliable and knows how to do the job. 

As a civilian, Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer began her work with the city of Moreno Valley while still attending Valley View High School through the summer job program. A student hire at Corporate Yard, she worked part-time as an office floater in the City Purchasing department. After graduation, and on her 18th birthday, she began her first full-time job in that same department. 

"I worked hard to make a good, professional impression on the staff. Working there allowed me to learn a bit about management, office structure and business," said Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer. "As an office floater, I did a lot of clerical duties and customer service. Now I've come full circle, by being honored by the same city that gave me my first job." 

Betsy Adams, assistant city manager, met Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer 10 years ago, when they worked together at Corporate Yard. 

"Ameerah has great work ethics and honestly was delightful to work with. It's great to see a young person come through our schools in Moreno Valley and do so well in her career," she said. 

Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer said it is refreshing to drive down Perris Boulevard today, passing Corporate Yard, and recollecting. 

"If it wasn't for the opportunity that was given to me there, I probably wouldn't be here," she said. She fondly remembered her first mentor, Linda Price, an employee she befriended at her first job. 

"I see a thread of excellence throughout Sergeant Beyah-Brewer's life. Her mentors were such a key part of keeping her on that path. She strikes me as a person who seizes the opportunities that are presented to her," said Chief Master Sgt. Thornton. 

The sergeant has an Associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force, is a certified information technology technician, and has earned 13 credits toward her Bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. 

Tech. Sgt. Beyah-Brewer fought back tears as she thanked her mother, Valarie DeBose, for always supporting her, and thanked her son Cahlil, 8, for being so good. 

"I'm proud of her determination," said DeBose. "Whatever she sets out to do, she does. She is a beautiful person and has had a sense of excellence her entire life."