Airman Spotlight: SrA Catherine Westervelt

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

Unit: 51st Fighter Wing Judge Advocate

Job title: Military Justice paralegal

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: As a military justice paralegal I work with commanders and first sergeants to process courts-martial, Article 15s, and administrative actions to ensure that good order and discipline is upheld in the wing.

Time in the military: Two years seven months

Time at Osan: Nine months

DEROS: April 2014

Family: My mother Genger, father Vern, sisters Kristin and Krystal, and dog Tron.

Hometown: Hillsboro, Ore.

Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking, hiking, and anything involving fitness.

Why did you join the military? To serve my country and complete college.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Working as a computer forensics expert in the civilian sector.

What do you do for fun here? Travel, cross-fit, and spend time with friends and family.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? My favorite memory is being stationed in Korea and having the opportunity to tour Asian countries. I've already toured China and am hoping to visit Japan before I PCS. My next assignment will be in Germany and I'm very excited to tour Europe.

What accomplishments are you proud of? I am proud of my decision to join the Air Force to carry on the family tradition. Both of my grandfathers served in the Army in Vietnam and two of my uncles also were in the Air Force. I am also proud that I am now a sophomore in college majoring in computer forensics. It's always been a goal of mine to complete a college degree, so I'm very proud that I'm accomplishing that.

Who are your role models? My parents because they've been my sounding board and my support my whole life and I want to be that type of parent to my children. Also Staff Sgt. Angie Richardson, an instructor at the JAG school, who has been my mentor and my confidante. She gives me good career and personal advice and is a good friend.