Airman excels as shift leader at sports center Published July 15, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Erica Holbert-Siebert 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 7/16/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- -- Airman Kelsey Palmer, 375th Force Support Squadron Fitness Technician, starts her work day at 4:50 a.m. at the James Sports Center. Nearly 19 years old, she has been stationed at Scott since August of last year and already works as a shift leader, ensuring morning shift tasks are accomplished. Palmer opens the gym, inspects equipment, and checks cleanliness with the janitors. They are responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and hygiene of the sports center to better serve the Scott community. "Customers may need anything and everything, from bandages and ice packs, to emergency medical assistance, such as when someone pushes themselves too hard physically," said Palmer. Staff Sgt. Walter Smith, James Sports Center NCOIC, said, "She's a leader, and personally I've never worked with someone with more work ethic and efficiency than Palmer. For her to be an Airman, and to be chosen as morning shift leader, that's something unique." Palmer also recently earned her certification before the rest of her enrolled peers as a Certified Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association, an advanced fitness education program recognized worldwide. "In the eight-week course, there is a lot of reading material to be completed on your own time. The most time consuming activity is creating workout plans. It's about putting together a 12-week plan for a hypothetical person such as a golfer or a wrestler. It teaches you to keep in mind that different athletes have different needs," said Palmer. She said the learning experience gets you to understand better the psychology of athletes in terms of how they work out and what they think about fitness. "One exercise asked the student to examine what the difference is between the winner at a race and the very last person crossing the finish line," said Palmer. "I found that the winner runs frequently, and they do it because they love it. The last person may not run for fun, but for for health, or runs as a part of a family activity. For some people it's a struggle to get in the gym, while other people love it." Palmer said she wants to get hands on with the book knowledge she's learned about personal training, so she is taking every opportunity to use her skills to help people. She is working on creating a remedial PT program for her squadron, eventually expanding it from one Airman to a class open to others for help with PT and wellness. "I'm really interested in how the body works, so personal training really fits into what I want to do eventually as a nurse practitioner. My goal is a career in the medical field where I can help people and make a difference." "I enjoy doing what needs to get done, but also I like having the freedom as an airman to offer up ideas for how something can be done differently," said Palmer. She has started college, earning eight credits so far, has earned performer of the month, and is currently nominated for squadron level Airman of the Quarter.