By Dannie Oliveaux

SILVERDALE — Master Sgt. Natasha Brown, a former Olympic High School graduate, has been assigned to the U.S. Air Force recruiting office.

Brown, a 15-year veteran, is responsible for engaging, inspiring and recruiting the brightest, most competitive and diverse men and women for service from Kitsap County.

Brown came to Silverdale when she was 13 years old. Her mother and stepfather were enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While attending CKHS, Brown ran track and was a member of the school’s girls 1,600-meter relay team, which still holds the school’s record.

Prior to her assignment in Silverdale, Brown was assigned to Beale AFB in California as a dental technician.

“It is a new program,” Brown said. “They are trying to grow us as individuals and as non-commissioned officers (NCO). They nominated people out of the dental clinic — the top NCOs — for recruiting. This is like a brand new life for me, learning the ropes of recruiting.”

Brown said she decided to become a dental technician when she joined the Air Force.

“Medical jobs are hard to get into,” she said. “I went into basics with a job, but listed dental technician as my number one pick and I got it.”

Brown said being a recruiter will help her as she moves up the ranks in the military. She could possibly be a recruiter for three to four years.

Brown, who resides in Bremerton, said she was able to get assigned here because her mother lives in the area and she can help with her 4-year-old son.

“This is my sixth duty location since I have been in the Air Force,” said Brown, who has been stationed in Korea, Guam, California, Texas and North Carolina.

She visits and tries to recruit people from Olympic College and all the county high schools, and emphasizes that education is important.

“I highly encourage people to join us if they are interested and focused on getting a college education,” Brown said. “Some people can’t afford to go to college, but this is a way to get in and get it paid for, while you learn a skill. Everything is set if place for you, all you have to do is meet the qualifications. The Air Force wants you to self-improve.”

The recruiting office is located at 2988 NW Bucklin Hill Rd. To contact Brown, call 360-586-5855.