U.S. Air Force | Citizen Airman | Graduate Student | Community Leader
Major | Director of Logistics Joint Forces Headquarters Oregon Air National Guard
Leanne has been serving in the United States Air Force since May 2003 — a career spanning more than 22 years and counting. Military service did not simply influence her life; it completely changed its trajectory. Through the Air Force, she has earned multiple advanced academic degrees, traveled internationally, purchased a home, and created stability for her family.
Her path through the military reflects the breadth of the Total Force structure. Leanne began her career as an enlisted vehicle mechanic in the Air National Guard, gaining hands-on experience maintaining the equipment that supports operational readiness. She later earned her commission through the Air National Guard Simultaneous Member Program with Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 075 at San Diego State University.
Over the course of her career, she has served as an enlisted Airman, Active Duty Officer, Reserve Officer, and Guard Officer, holding both operational and executive leadership roles. She has deployed multiple times and served in positions at the group, wing, numbered Air Force, and joint levels.
Today she continues her service as a Drill Status Guardsman serving as Director of Logistics for the Oregon Air National Guard. In that role, she helps oversee logistics, engineering, maintenance, and force protection capabilities across the Air Component, ensuring that units remain prepared and mission ready.
Leanne’s career also reflects the concept of the Citizen Airman — individuals who serve in the Air National Guard and Reserve while maintaining careers, education, and leadership roles within their communities. That dual identity has shaped her path both in and out of uniform. Whether serving in military leadership, working with nonprofit and Veteran organizations, teaching fitness classes, fostering animals, or working in Oregon’s wine industry, she carries the same commitment to service and community.
Her educational journey reflects her dedication to growth and leadership. From an Associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force to a Bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University, she continued to pursue advanced academic opportunities throughout her career. Her graduate studies include degrees in Organizational Leadership, Sports Management, nonprofit leadership, and business leadership. Her current academic work continues to build on that foundation of service and leadership.
For Leanne, service means being part of something bigger than yourself. That sense of collective purpose — alongside fellow Airmen, servicemembers, family, and friends — has sustained her throughout the many chapters of her career.
She speaks honestly about the realities of long-term service. While the opportunities have been life-changing, the physical and mental toll is real. Yet she also observes that support networks for Veterans are improving as more servicemembers advocate for change and support one another.
Her advice to those considering military service reflects both experience and perspective. The United States maintains an all-volunteer force, and individuals have the ability to choose their path. She encourages prospective servicemembers to be intentional in those decisions — selecting the branch and career field that align with their goals. Those choices, she believes, play a significant role in both retention and long-term job satisfaction.
Leanne’s story reflects sustained leadership, thoughtful commitment, and a continued dedication to service — both in uniform and within the communities she supports.
Quote:
“Service means being part of something bigger than yourself — alongside the people who serve with you and the communities that support you.”
