131st welcomes new wing executive officer

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Stephanie Schmitt
  • 131 Bomb Wing
Lambert IAP --  Capt. Catherine Germain was recently selected as the new wing executive officer, 131st Bomb Wing, Whiteman, AFB.

During her recent trip to Lambert, IAP, Captain Germain was welcomed during a wing staff all-call held to introduce her to her new team.

"I'm excited to be a part of the guard family! I look forward to getting to know everyone and doing my best to make each day better than the last," said Captain Germain when describing her vision of her future with the 131st Bomb Wing.

In June 1997 Captain Germain entered the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned in May 2001.  She worked in the Air Field Operations career field, Tyndall AFB, Fla. and Sheppard AFB, Texas. After 4 years she joined the reserve component using the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program, US Forces Japan, Yakota and later Misawa, AB Japan as a Staff Operations Officer in Air Traffic Control and Airfield Management. Due to her husband's permanent change of station she transferred to Whiteman, AFB. After a year there in the Reserves, she joined the Missouri Air National Guard after being selected as the wing executive officer for the 131 BW.

When asked about her thoughts about the total force integration, Captian Germain explained, "In the last couple of weeks as the executive officer, I've met many folks from both the 131st and 509th and have been very impressed with the professionalism and motivation of everyone. I believe the TFI here at Whiteman is incorporating the best of both the guard and active duty worlds into the most effective and efficient force."

Captain Germain currently lives with her husband Capt. Shaun Germain, 509th Bomb Wing B-2 pilot, and children Hannah, 3, and Luke, 7 months.