Corrow Keeps Her Eye on the Sky

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bryon M. Turner
  • 103rd Airlift Wing
Staff Sgt. Kelly Corrow, one of the Conn. Air National Guard's Outstanding Airmen of the Year, is serious about exercise and sports. 

Corrow defines herself as a "gym rat" and works out at least once a day, sometimes twice. When she's not getting fit, she can be found during her off-duty hours zipping down mountains on her snow board, boxing or riding street bikes. 

"I'm into extreme sports," said Corrow. "I hope to learn how to do stunts on my bike some day, but don't worry, I'll keep it safe." 

Corrow plans on joining the new motorcycle rider's club for members of the Conn. Air National Guard as soon as she gets her new bike, and promises to keep the stunts off the streets, and off the base. 

Corrow works full-time with the Connecticut National Guard's Counter Drug Program.
"Working with kids is my favorite part of the job," said Corrow. 

The Stay on Track Program goes out to schools throughout the state a few times a week to educate students about the dangers of drugs, said Corrow. 

"Teaching the kids if very rewarding," said Corrow. "I get to help them focus their lives on positive things, and we really make a difference." 

Corrow also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, participating in group activities with the kids. 

The program gives kids positive after school activities as an alternative to some of the negative influences they might otherwise encounter, said Corrow. 

In addition, Corrow participates in food and clothing drives for charity and enjoys participating with the Junior Enlisted Council, volunteering to help the Aero Guard with fund raising, and taking part in activities like the Veteran's Day Parade. 

Corrow has already made a name for herself with the air operations group, entering the unit after receiving an Air Force Commendation Medal for her efforts with the North East Air Defense Sector, where she helped coordinate military assistance in air defense matters. 

Building on that success, she graduated from the Tactical Data Manager's Course as an Honor Graduate in July of 2008. 

As an aerospace control and warning systems specialist, her job centers around establishing links to radar feeds, and providing mission critical access to the air picture to meet mission requirements, said Corrow. 

"I'm the first person in my family to serve, I wanted to do something different and express my patriotism," said Corrow. "The military opened so many doors for me and improved my life." 

But ultimately, "it's all what you put into it," said Corrow.