HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A member of the 66th Medical Squadron has been recognized by base officials for her volunteer efforts after leading and coordinating local community and on-base professional events.
Senior Airman Ma’Kaila Eckermann, an MDS oral preventive assistant, was recently named as the 66th Air Base Group’s volunteer of the quarter for her work supporting a humanitarian effort in Connecticut, organizing a Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony, and serving as a ceremonial guardsman.
“Senior Airman Eckermann’s dedication to volunteerism demonstrates the whole Airman concept in action,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jason Vollmer, installation command chief. “Her efforts show the importance of giving back to the communities we live and serve, and she is a great example of the impact we can have when doing so.”
Earlier this year, Eckermann led the coordination of four MDS Airmen participating in a Connecticut-based humanitarian mission. The Hanscom AFB off-duty team volunteered to assist with providing free dental care to underserved communities across New England.
“They performed everything from extractions to cleanings and made an impact in the local community across the region,” she said.
In addition, Eckermann volunteered this past spring to help lead the installation’s first CCAF graduation ceremony since 2022. The event recognized enlisted Airmen who completed associate degrees.
She also volunteered as a ceremonial guardsman for the Patriot Honor Guard.
As the only active duty installation in the seven-state northeast region, honor guard members support military funerals and other events throughout New England and New York.
Eckermann, who entered the Air Force in 2019, has served in a variety of roles within the squadron’s dental flight, including her current position as sterilization technician and as a unit safety representative.
She was promoted to staff sergeant earlier this year.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Eckermann has been stationed at Hanscom AFB for more than six years. She is scheduled to transfer to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in January.
“Every opportunity to volunteer, whether in the clinic, the honor guard, or in the community, has been meaningful,” she said.
For others seeking volunteer opportunities in the local community, visit the volunteer page on the Hanscom AFB public website.