Turrill joined the Air National Guard in August 1993, enlisting as a Personnel Specialist. After flying on a C130 to Gulfport, Mississippi, for training, she approached her Chief and told him she wanted to fly. She went to Loadmaster School in 1995, and after 5 months of training in Little Rock, Arkansas, she was a fully qualified C-130H Model Loadmaster. She has been involved in multiple conflicts and was activated in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and then to Afghanistan, where she continues to rotate with her unit every 18 months. She has over 5,000 flying hours as a Loadmaster and continues to fly once a week.
“I have been truly blessed with a wonderful 24 years in the Air National Guard, and I hope to continue my service for at least another 10 years,” said Turrill.
Turrill was nominated by her friend, Penny Skaff.
“Debbie is hardworking, dedicated, and loves her work,” said Skaff. “She flies many missions all over the world, putting herself in harm’s way when duty calls. She is also an animal lover and, along with caring for her own pets, she fosters homeless animals and gets them ready for a home that she’ll find for them. She has a big heart, and I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
Turrill chose AnySoldier to receive the donation made by NFM Salute on her behalf.
