Women's History Month: Airman 1st Class Xenia Wieland

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Catharine Schmidt
  • 109th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. --  Airman 1st Class Xenia Wieland has been with the 109th Airlift Wing for three years. She said she joined the military for the many benefits offered and for the experience she hoped to gain in the medical field to help further her career in nursing.

Wieland is currently an aerospace medical technician assigned to the 109th Medical Group. In this position she assists doctors with patient care, and is trained to do anything from administering medication and taking vitals to assisting newborn deliveries and emergency medicine.

Wieland not only works in the medical field with the 109th but also on the civilian side as well. She works full time as a medical assistant for a private cardiology practice. She is also a nationally registered EMT and a certified nursing assistant.

"While I am working full time, I am also a full-time student taking night classes," she said. "I am able to manage my time in order to have all tasks accomplished and succeed in a timely manner. Being able to juggle these responsibilities helps me stay organized and on task for my military career."

Wieland said the diverse nature of women and men benefits the military in many ways - specifically in their decision-making process.

"Women and men historically seem to approach things differently," she said. "Having this diversity within the military allows for more ideas and different leadership qualities."