Women’s History Month: Breaking gender stereotypes

Published March 12, 2009
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- She said she wants to make a difference, one that is gender-blind. Janis Wood, the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron director for KC-135 Stratotanker depot repair, said when she thinks about it, she is aware her accomplishments over the past 32 years are unique to the advancements of women. But truthfully, she said that's not her motivation.

"I want to always make a difference," Ms. Wood said. "I want to contribute to an organization."

As squadron director for KC-135 depot repair, Ms. Wood manages the modification and repair of the workload within 16 programmed depot maintenance docks and her fiscal year 2009 workload is approximately 50 aircraft. Ms. Wood also oversees more than 1,000 people.

"Ms. Wood is incredibly maintenance savvy and knows how to be successful within our system," said Col. Casey Hughson, 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group commander, who has known Ms. Wood for nearly two years. "She is always imparting this wisdom to subordinates, making her squadron stronger day-by-day."

But, in 1977, she was a data transcriber, a position she said no longer exists. Like most everyone else, she had to work her way up the proverbial ladder. Within two years she became a sheet metal mechanic for commodities and B-52s, and eventually was promoted to a first-line supervisor. She said she was one of the first women to hold that position, yet it didn't faze her.

Ms. Wood said her disinterest toward traditional male and female roles began with her parents, who worked the opposite of their stereotypical parts. Her late mother, Wanda, worked in a Tinker paint hangar. She was one of six women and among the first women hired for that job. Ms. Wood's father, Arlie, worked in an office in Depot Supply. He was one of two men.

As a result, Ms. Wood said with her brothers and sister, she grew up in an environment where all chores and jobs were created equal.

"We had equal duties, you took out the trash the same as if you cooked," Ms. Wood said.
"There was no distinction between boys and girls and my parents didn't define roles. My mother was just as likely to do something my dad did and my dad was just as likely to do what is traditionally defined as a women's job."

Even though Ms. Wood said she later realized her upbringing was not the standard among others, she said she uses her upbringing to her advantage. By acknowledging women can perform any job as well as men, she advises both genders to do their job to the best of their ability.

"Set your sights on always being the best of whatever role you have," she said, "because that's your signature."

Ms. Wood said she admits she challenges her employees and might be demanding, but also said she always has their best interests at heart.

"We have an impact on other people, whether we know we do or not," Ms. Wood said.

"You need to think positively and try to be an encourager not the hammer."

Kevin O'Connor, 76th AMXG deputy director, who said he has known Ms. Wood six years, agreed.

"Janis has a special gift of making the people around her better," he said. "She focuses on removing the obstacles and getting her team what they need to succeed. She is straightforward and direct in her communication. She is not afraid to tell it like it is, up and down the chain."

ReNaldo Lemons, a 566th AMXS B-52 Services planner, said he's known Ms. Wood for roughly 10 years and has been positively affected by her.

"Ms. Wood is a very determined and focused leader," he said. "She has a strong commitment to this organization, and most of all, the people. Her leadership style is like a mentor. Ms. Wood is a visionary; she is both firm and fair. (This is the first in a three-part series for Women's History Month.)