Charleston, W.Va. -- The Charlie West Spotlight for September 2019 is Tech. Sgt. Maribel Roberts, an Aerospace Medical Service Specialist assigned to the 130th Medical Group. As an Aerospace Medical Service Specialist, her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting doctors, assembling and maintaining equipment, immunizations, blood draws, patient care, administrative functions and more.
Roberts was born in Chicago, Ill., raised in San Diego, Calif., and graduated high school in Post Falls, Idaho. She returned to California to start her military career in the Air Force Reserves at March Air Force Base, where she served for a year, then moving down to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida for a year as well. Later, she moved to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, where she served for four years, where she was awarded an Airman of the Quarter and Airman of the Year Award.
In 2017, Roberts transferred to the 130th Airlift Wing. Though her time here hasn’t been long, her “military family” here has already made an impact.
“There’s never a dull moment here, and I like the willingness of others to help in this unit,” Roberts explained. “I know throughout the month and on drill weekends that everyone is so task saturated with things to get accomplished, yet everyone is so willing to drop what they’re doing to help each other no matter what it is.”
“Sgt. Roberts is a hard-working, motivated Airman,” said Lt. Col. Trina Young, 130th MDG Deputy Commander. “Her nomination for the spotlight is just a peek into how great of an Airman she is.”
Roberts also works in the 130th MDG as a Health Services Technician full-time.
“My military goals are to continue to grow and reach my highest potential in my military career and to be able to use my experiences and knowledge to help mold younger airmen and help them achieve their goals as well,” Roberts said. “And for my ‘civilian’ life, it’s to be happy and take advantage of every opportunity that comes along as well as show my sons that life isn’t about money or material things, but to live with no regrets and to always see the good and the blessings of each day.”
When it comes to her family, there’s nothing more important than them to her.
“There are two days I can say are the best days moments of my life, one was when my first son, John Mark III was born and another when my second son, Colton Oscar was born,” said Roberts. “Those were the days when I truly knew what unconditional love really feels like. Those were also the days where I found out that I am capable of doing more that I think I can.”
When Roberts isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys working out, watching movies and television, playing sports, boxing and mixed martial arts, along with volunteer work and community service with Mountain Mission in Charleston.
“I am proud of the woman I am becoming; I was always that one person who follows others and lets others make decisions for them but now I choose to live the life that God has laid down for me,” Roberts explained. “Also, I am proud of overcoming my fears, except for spiders, and facing life’s difficulties full force and with God by my side.”
Roberts commitment to family and community, partnered with her passion for service to community and state, highlight why she was chosen as the September Charlie West Spotlight.