Christine “ Chrissy ” Weaver
Christine “ Chrissy ” Weaver
BRANCH : U . S . Air Force
SERVED : 20 years
“ I am extremely proud of my service . Being a female veteran makes me different than most people in my life and my outward appearance does not tell my story . My experiences are unique and very personal .”
FIRST JOB POST-MILITARY : Sewing machine technician at Sew Bernina
MOST USEFUL MILITARY SKILL : The ability to organize and prioritize several tasks at once
MOST HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TRANSITION : I don ’ t know if my transition out of the military was unusual , but I was not overwhelmed by an abundance of support or resources .
Christine Weaver now calls Wetumpka , Alabama home , where she resides with her husband and three cats . Originally moving to Alabama in 2004 for a 10-month course at Maxwell Air Force Base , she decided to stay , ultimately retiring in 2012 after an impressive 20-year career . Weaver ’ s inspiration to join the Air Force stemmed from her father ’ s service , sparking a desire to follow in his footsteps . Though she earned a degree in biology from the University of Portland , her Air Force career took her on a different path , shaping her into a Space and Missile Officer . From launching rockets at Vandenberg Air Force Base to tracking satellites at Cheyenne Mountain , Weaver ’ s journey culminated in a life-altering deployment to Kabul , Afghanistan , where she mentored the Afghan National Police Force . Her service experiences gave her a profound appreciation for her country and a unique perspective on the world .
TRANSITIONING FROM MILITARY TO CIVILIAN LIFE
How did your military experience prepare you for life out of uniform ?
My first assignment as a Missile Launch Officer provided training that I use to this day . As a business manager and machine technician at Sew Bernina , the skills I developed taught me to prioritize in a stressful environment . Granted , the quilting business is not as stressful as dealing with nuclear weapons , there are days that truly stretch my organizational , interpersonal and decision-making skills .
CAREER PATH AFTER THE MILITARY
What motivated you to pursue your current career path after leaving the military ?
Although I cherished the 20 years I spent in the Air Force , I knew when it was time to go . I began working a single day a week in the local quilt shop and eventually became a manager at Sew Bernina , the only quilt shop and high-end sewing machine dealer in the city .
In what ways has your military background influenced your approach to business and leadership ?
As a leader in a retail business setting , I lean on the leadership skills that were developed during my Air Force career . It is my obligation to motivate and encourage each person do to their very best for the business .
ADVICE FOR OTHER VETERANS
If you were to transition from the military to civilian life again , what would you do differently ?
I would be a better advocate for myself . Ask for help if you need it . Don ’ t isolate yourself from others .
How important is networking and mentorship ?
Networking and mentorship are invaluable if you can experience them . My network of business professionals is not extensive , but the value of the mentorship provided by those close to me is beyond measure .
How do you balance the need for structure and discipline from military life with the flexibility often required in business ?
I am surrounded by a great staff that is passionate about our craft . They keep me grounded and balanced . It has been said that I am too serious sometimes , and that is my reminder that I am not in the military anymore and things may not be as serious as I make them out to be .
40 CentrAL Inc !