Resilient and Still Standing.

JOINT BASE LINDSEY GRAHAM, S.C. - Cargo moves across the rollers as the Airmen who work long days and tough hours continue to move the fight no matter the challenges presented.

From the western mountains of Maryland, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brianna Lee Ralston, 16th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, stays resilient through an injury setback that has strengthened her drive as a loadmaster.

Ralston decided to join the Air Force at 21 years old to become a loadmaster based on recommendations made by her peers - a decision she says gave her a sense of purpose and a way to serve the people she raised her right hand for.

“I knew I wanted to make an impact,” said Ralston. Noting that when she made her job list, “loadmaster was number one.”

This excitement of a new start would be challenged by the reality of the job, including the long hours, sweat, and tears. But those sacrifices would also open the door for her to travel the world.

“We get called upon to go on a mission and in that aspect; days are long, days are tough,” said Ralston. “On missions we can be on the road for almost 26 hours - we can have really long days.”

Ralston held this nugget of light even as she took a seat due to a recent hip surgery. With her being unable to fly, she felt as if her main joy was ripped away.

“Sometimes life throws you things that you do not expect. And for me, recently, I had to have surgery, and that was not the news I wanted,” said Ralston, who would note, “That [flying] is what brings me a lot of joy.”

Despite the injury, Ralston reminded herself that the setback was temporary and that she wanted to make the most of her time as a loadmaster, now doing administrative work behind the scenes.

Honing her skills and leading by example, she continues to attend online college classes while serving as a physical training leader, a suicide prevention instructor, and a mentor for her fellow Airmen.

“Even though I'm not flying at the time, I'm making the most out of every day,” said Ralston, making sure that she utilizes her drive towards other facets of her life.

Through the challenges of now working behind the scenes, Ralston takes it all in, knowing the purpose behind the mission and her why.

“Sometimes you see the impact and sometimes you don't, but no matter what, there's a purpose in what we're delivering,” said Ralston. “Whether it's the job, delivering cargo and changing people's lives, or the day-to-day.”

Despite the challenges she's faced throughout her journey, she continues to move forward one step at a time, driven by purpose and a commitment to get the job done.

Every mission. Every piece of cargo transported. One purpose. One mission.

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