An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | May 31, 2017

Mother, daughter reflect on Arizona Air Guard service

By Air Force 2nd Lt. Tinasha T. Machona 161st Refueling Wing

GOLDWATER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ariz — Although set on different paths for military service, Air Force Master Sgt. Peggy Schmidt and Staff Sgt. Nichole Jordan of the Arizona Air National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing have experienced a journey few Airmen can claim - one characterized by dedication, tradition, and ultimately, love.

Although assigned to different units here since 2011, the mother-daughter duo serves side-by-side at the 161st Air Refueling Wing.

"It is beneficial to work with my mother, because she sets the bar for me to exceed," said Jordan, who works as an aerospace medical technician with the wing's medical group. She added that her mother sets a good example of airmanship and challenges her to always exceed expectations.

Service before self
Jordan said she joined the Arizona Air National Guard for education benefits, but that gradually her desire for continued service was fueled by a specific Air Force core value: service before self. "I can make a difference in this Air Force of ours, and being a '1 percenter,' like many of my brothers and sisters in arms, is something to be proud of," she said.

Both Airmen serve full-time.

"I like the whole generation-effect thing that I share with my mother on this base," Jordan said. "At times I feel like a protégé of my mom's, but that just motivates me to continue improving myself in my own way."

Schmidt, a supply supervisor for the wing's logistics readiness squadron, said she's proud to serve in uniform with her daughter.

"It's a pleasure for me to work with Nichole, because it puts a smile on my face knowing that my daughter is right across the street and she is always there when I need her," she said.

In addition to her supervisory duties, Schmidt is the squadron's health monitor.

"I think Sergeant Jordan gets a lot of strong features from having a military mother," said Air Force Master Sgt. June Nicholas, who works as a full-time health technician at the wing. "Staff Sgt. Jordan is very ambitious, and she gets her leadership skills from her mother."

Representing the base
Schmidt said she also highly encourages her daughter's participation on the base color guard team. "Before the team even steps out on the field, I am so proud of Nichole and the team," she added. "That pride is for everyone on the team, because they represent the base so well, but I am particularly proud of my daughter for joining on her own."

Schmidt, a 31-year veteran, was herself a member of the honor guard drill team when she attended Northern Arizona University. "I am extremely proud of my daughter," she said. "I know that eventually I will be gone and she will be setting her own pace, and then maybe she will have her own kids do the same thing."

Jordan said she tells her mother how much she loves her and appreciates her support in what she does. "I love my mother with all my heart," she added. "She is always there for me, and I would not have it any other way than to serve my country with my mother."

 

 

Related Articles
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, discusses briefing details with Col. Augusto Villalaz, director of the Joint Staff for the Louisiana National Guard, during the annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 21, 2025. The drill helps synchronize plans and strengthen coordination across LANG’s senior leadership ahead of hurricane season.
Louisiana Guard Rehearses Emergency Plans for Hurricane Season
By Capt. Peter Drasutis, | May 28, 2025
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard conducted its annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge May 21, uniting key personnel across multiple commands to refine...

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
New Hampshire Guard Teams with Morocco for Sling Load Training at African Lion 2025
By Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester, | May 28, 2025
TAN TAN, Morocco – Soldiers assigned to the 744th Forward Support Company (744TH FSC), 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard partnered with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), for...

From left, Sgt. Edward Acda, Lt. Col. Vern Perez, Sgt. 1st Class Celine Taitano, Capt. Ryan Arellano, Staff Sgt. Jovencio Mortera, and Sgt. Avery Tyquiengco of the Guam National Guard participate in Balikatan Cyber Defense Exercise, Manila, April 27, 2025. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability. (Courtesy asset)
Guam Guard Participates in Balikatan 2025 Cyber Defense Exercise
By Mark Scott, | May 28, 2025
MANILA, Philippines – A team of cyber professionals and an intelligence analyst from the Guam National Guard attended Balikatan 2025, participating in the three-week Cyber Defense Exercise alongside teams from various...