She-Wolf of the Day: Col. Tambra "Hawk" Yates

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  "What could be more important than to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of the entire country?" said Tambra Yates when she made the decision to join the U.S. Air Force. 

Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Col. Tambra "Hawk" Yates, 8th Medical Group commander, was raised by her mother and grew up with five siblings, one brother and four sisters.

Hawk's mother was a strong force in her development and independence, she explained.

"My mother's motto was 'to do your best at whatever task at hand,'" Hawk said. "She would say that it did not matter what type of job you would do, as long as you did it with the best of your ability and a giving heart."

Hawk wanted to join the Air Force because she saw it as an opportunity to work for an organization that demonstrated professionalism, with people who cared enough to sacrifice everything they had to protect others.

As the 8th MDG commander here at Kunsan, she oversees all medical programs, including support and clinical operations, among many other vital tasks at the medical group. This position allows her to guide, mentor, and interact with a lot amazing people, she stated.

"I could not have asked for a better assignment," she said. "The medical professionals who create this superior team are from multiple specialties and are drawn to the world of medicine not only to save lives, but also, to create an environment of health and better living for as many people as we can."

Hawk's goal is to produce a healthier, happier environment for the active duty population and their families. 

"In essence, I want to help us retain a stronger fighting force, thus keeping the Wolf Pack ready to fight tonight," she said.

Aside from being a commander, she also loves to travel.  Having visited several countries and discovering the tremendous beauties of the world, she has enjoyed experiencing difference in cultures.

"I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle through traveling, sports and outdoor activities," she added.

Even though she has met most of her educational goals, she is always up for a new challenge.

"My next goal is to learn how to play the piano, which would combine my interest of learning and music," Hawk said.

Though she has met her educational goal of receiving her doctoral degree, she continues to be the best officer and medical provider she can possibly be.

"I can always do better tomorrow as I learn today," she said. "I've always wanted to lead good, professional medics and commanding a large hospital would be a nice finish of my great years in the service."

Challenges come and go, especially being an officer in the military, but Hawk overcomes them through perseverance, as she would say.

"If I could tell an aspiring female Air Force recruit anything, it would be to follow your dreams," Hawk said. "Don't let the fear of the unknown prevent them you from experiencing life and all of the opportunities it has to offer. Have goals, work toward them, keep a positive attitude while doing so and seize each occasion to the fullest. It's important to remember that there's nothing that a woman can't do."