Commander plots next move

Col. Peggy Poore, 42, has served as Commander of the 27th Mission Support Group for the last two years.

The colonel said she has enjoyed her time at Cannon Air Force Base immensely. “I came here (Cannon) as a human resources officer,” Poore said, “but now I feel like a squadron commander.”

Poore will begin her new assignment at Langely Air Force Base within the month. Poore said her new job would “be extremely challenging.”

The Mission Support Group is comprised of seven squadrons.

Poore was commissioned through the Air Force Officer Training School, where she was a distinguished graduate. She entered the Air Force in July 1987.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m a Marine brat. I attended high school in Virginia Beach, Va. and college at Radford University where I earned a degree in Business Management.

Q: Did you think the Air Force would be your career when you were younger?

A: I grew up as a military dependent. My family has a long military heritage, so I knew a military career was available to me. Out of college I went to work as a loan closer but I soon figured out that you could do that without a college degree. I just wasn’t able to sell myself out of college. I plan to keep going in the Air Force as long as I am valued. I just passed 20 years in the Air Force.

Q: How many Air Force bases have you been assigned to?

A: Eight and I have been at the Pentagon twice.

Q: Talk about your job in the Air Force.

A: I don’t take care of the airplanes, airplane mechanics or hospital folks. But, just about everybody else falls under me.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: The best part of my job is watching my troops tackle challenges.

Q: Do you have a favorite base?

A: All of them were favorites for different reasons. The Air Force has sent me places I would have never gone on my own and I’m glad they sent me because it has allowed me to experience different parts of the United States.

Q: Talk about your family.

A: I am fifth generation military. My family has had career officers in the military since the Civil War.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?

A: I’m not a huge music person, but I do have a few things on my Ipod for long trips like the one I am about to take (to Langely Air Force Base, Va.) I like 70s rock.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: When I was in college I played soccer. I still hold the Division one NCAA record for most saves in a game.

Q: What is your idea of a perfect day?

A: Spending quality time with family and friends and maybe getting in a game of golf.

Q: What is your favorite meal?

A: Steak and potato.

Q: Who is your hero and why?

A: I don’t like the term hero. I think it is sometimes attached to the wrong people. But, there are people I admire like my brother and father. And I admire the young airmen who have to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan.