Name:  Alison Kline

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Schenectady, NY. Moved to Ravena, NY when I was about 5 years old.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
My biggest transition was leaving my small town after graduating in 2002 and joining the US Air Force. I had never been that far away from family before and didn’t know what to expect. I knew I didn’t want to go to college right away, but I also didn’t want to continue working a mediocre job, I wanted something better. Little did I know joining the military would be the best decision I ever made!

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Don’t be afraid of taking chances on new things, adapt to change as it comes. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, as it will make you a better person later.

Your Personal Why?
To be a positive influence on others so they can be the best versions of themselves.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
I consider myself the type of person who likes to build people up, support them. Whether it’s my family, friends, or coworkers, I want to help people be the best they can be. While I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, I’ve never viewed my accomplishments as mine alone. I owe so much to the people who stood by me, guided me, and believed in me when it mattered most. In an effort to carry it forward, my hope is to continue to be a source of positivity for others, help them achieve their goals in any way I can, and be there to celebrate them when they hit those goals.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
I retired from Air Force Special Operations at Hurlburt Field where I was a Unit Training Manager for almost 10 years. I worked with five different squadrons during that time, so I developed a vast knowledge about what each squadron’s mission was. My husband (Air Force as well) retired from the 23^rd Special Tactics Squadron where he worked for seven years and witnessed a side of the Air Force I had never seen before. I have the utmost respect for what his unit did, as well as the units that supported them. Special Operators are the best of the best!

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Create Experiences. Life is extremely short, and it is what you make it. We should always be looking for ways to improve, and step outside our comfort zones. We shouldn’t be afraid to take chances and live each day to the fullest.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Education and Training and Administrative Services. I worked as Unit Training Manager in the Air Force for almost 10 years. I ensured military members completed their required training and managed upgrade training for multiple units. Since I retired from the Air Force in 2023, I’ve been handling administrative functions for a veteran run organization specializing in teaching leadership to military teams in preparation for deployment.

Contact Alison directly at alison@honor.org.