Where did you serve and what did you do?

In her 24-year military career in the US Air Force, MSgt Gajewski worked in the field of communications. Her assignments spanned from West to East Coasts of the US, Japan, Germany, and Hawaii. She worked every aspect of the communication and computer field through Communications and Data Processing, the Auto Defense Information Network Switching Station, Help Desk and Administration of work desk computers, Defense Messaging System start-up, to Network Operations and Security Center controlling all Pacific Air Force Network Servers. She deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to the United Arab Emirates and for Operation Iraqi Freedom in Qatar. During her first deployment she managed the base computers and telephone systems, and her second deployment she was the Information Assurance Manager for the Directorate’s Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System used by warfighters within the Air Forces Forward and the Combined Air and Space Operations Center. Before retirement, she earned her Master Cyber Wings at the 7th Intelligence Squadron, Fort Meade, Maryland. MSgt Gajewski held numerous leadership positions as Equipment Custodian Officer, Fitness Leader, Flight Sergeant, Unit Security Manager, Additional Duty First Sergeant, Senior Military Leader, Superintendent, and Commanders Support Staff.

How are you Still Serving?

She is an active volunteer in the community through the Elkhorn Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Post 6375 and the American Legion Post 45. Her volunteer work with the VFW includes providing Military Honors by folding and presenting the Flag to the Veterans family. She organizes Veteran’s Day School Programs with seven local schools and a nursing home for the combined Elkhorn VFW/American Legion Honor Guard each year. She is the chairperson for the Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen and Teacher of the Year Award for the Elkhorn Memorial Post. She volunteers at the VFW booth at Walworth County Fair and has escorted a WWII Army Air Corps Veteran to a Vets Roll Ceremony in Illinois. She also volunteers with Elkhorn area Boy Scouts and in the Civil Air Patrol. She was the Jr Vice Commander for Post 6375 in 2014-2015, Sr Vice Commander 2016, and Post Commander 2017-2018; all while caring for her disabled elderly mother.

Why do you do it?

To continue to serve our country, support our community, support and honor our military veterans, educate and raise awareness in our youth.