Martin Countian earns Airman of the Quarter honors

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PARISH, La. — Fallyne Wefenstette spent much of her childhood competing on ballfields and basketball courts in Martin County.

Now, the former Sheldon Clark standout is competing in a different arena and continuing to make her hometown proud.

Wefenstette, an Airman First Class stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, was recently selected as Airman of the Quarter for April through June 2026. She earned the honor after what she described as a year of hitting the ground running in the U.S. Air Force.

The 2019 Sheldon Clark graduate was a three-sport athlete who competed in softball, basketball and soccer. She played third base in softball and point guard in basketball – sports she competed in for 13 years. She also spent two years as a defender on the soccer field.

Her athletic career did not end with high school. Wefenstette went on to play softball at Alice Lloyd College.

Those years in sports helped shape qualities she now carries into military service.

Wefenstette pointed to Pam Maynard, Tim Rice, and her father Jason Wefenstette as coaches who made lasting impressions on her.

“Pammy always made sure I was taken care of at games, especially when my parents couldn’t be there,” Wefenstette said. “Coach Rice taught me the importance of knowing my role, doing my part, and understanding that every person has a responsibility to the team. That’s something I’ve carried with me long after my time playing for him.”

That team-first lesson has translated naturally to an environment where every Airman has a job to do.

Her father’s influence extended well beyond the sidelines.

“Then there’s my dad, my coach for life,” Wefenstette said. “He’s pushed me harder than anyone, but he’s also celebrated me louder than anyone. He’s always expected the best from me while making sure I knew he was proud of me every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for a better father, mentor, or coach.”

Wefenstette also credits both of her parents with providing the foundation that has helped her take on challenges far from home.

“My mom taught me how to be tough, strong, and never back down from a challenge,” she said. “Being an athlete herself, I think a lot of my competitive side came from her, and as I’ve gotten older, she’s become not only my mom but one of the people I’m closest to.”

Wefenstette enlisted in the Air Force in January 2025 to fulfill something she had envisioned for herself long before putting on the uniform.

“I chose the Air Force because it’s always been a dream of mine and I wanted more for myself,” Wefenstette said. “I’ll always be proud of where I come from, but I knew there was more out there that I wanted to experience beyond Inez. I wanted to challenge myself, step outside of my comfort zone, see more of the world, and find out just how far I could go.”

She completed basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base last year before finishing technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base.

From there, Wefenstette went to Barksdale, and has been there for a year.

As part of the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, she helps support the fuel and transportation needs tied to base operations and global bomber missions.

Her part of that mission is straightforward but critical.

“Everything to do with fuel,” Airman First Class Wefenstette said. “Filling the planes, testing the fuel, and keeping track of how much.”

Her work at Barksdale has stretched beyond her regular responsibilities.

A1C Wefenstette has become heavily involved in volunteer efforts, including opportunities within her squadron. She is also pursuing an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She serves as a Tactical Combat Casualty Care instructor.

Wefenstette believes that willingness to do more than what is expected of her rank helped separate her during the Airman of the Quarter selection process.

“Since being here, I’ve been heavily involved in volunteering,” she said. “I’ve also been pursuing an associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force. I’ve also been serving as a TCCC [tactical combat casualty care] instructor. Along with performing above and beyond my rank, I think it’s what helped push me to the top of winning Airman of the Quarter.”

The quarterly recognition is not the first time her performance has caught the attention of leadership.

Wefenstette has also been named Striker of the Month, a squadron honor for high performance. She has been coined twice for outstanding performance.

But much like her athletic days, one accomplishment has only created another target.

Wefenstette is now focusing on earning Below the Zone. This would allow her an opportunity for early promotion, while continuing to develop as an Airman and leader.

And her plans don’t stop there.

“Long term, my goal is to commission as an officer and use everything I learn along the way to become the kind of leader people can depend on.”