Airman overcomes personal barriers

  • Published
  • By Technical Sergeant Gwendolyn Blakley
Jenifer Mutter, received gold bars in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant on April 11, 2017. Her husband Army 2nd LT. Aaron Mutter, 198th Signal Corps, Delaware Army National Guard, and children Alexander, seven, and Adalyn, three, pinned on her gold bars. She recited the "Oath of Office" with the 166th Airlift Wing Commander Colonel Robert Culcasi. Her parents Bill and Silvia Green; in laws Tim and Cindy Mutter; husband and children; Delaware National Guard Leadership; co-workers, and friends were present to highlight this career achievement. Lt. Mutter overcame many challenges to make it to where she is today.

With all the hard work, sacrifice, and achievement, Lt. Mutter overcame a situation that challenged herself and her family. She was diagnosed with aggressive Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February of 2014. Cancer masses were found in her lungs, around her heart, and in her lower abdomen. She had the option of surgery, but declined due to the likely result of damage to her right lung. Instead of surgery she chose to undergo eight months of strenuous chemotherapy and radiation treatment. This choice diverted the possibility of damage to her lung which would have ended her military career. Cancer treatments caused Mutter to lose her hair and scar her lungs. Doctors told her that she would have difficulty participating in regular physical activities to include running. Despite facing the physical challenges, she was determined to overcome them, and in 2016 she completed her first full physical fitness test following aggressive cancer treatment.

“The encouragement that I offer Airmen is don’t be a victim be a victor! Challenges in life are an opportunity to overcome adversity, not evidence that the universe is conspiring against us. Embrace the challenges and never give up. We are in complete control of how we spend our time, and our choices ultimately determine our future. Come ready to be inspired and to inspire others every single day.”

Mutters’ career began with an enlistment into the Delaware Air National Guard in 2006. She has a plethora of achievements in her profession, education, and affiliations. Mutter earned a Masters degree in Business Administration; Project Management in 2016; two Bachelor of Science Degrees including one in Applied Animal Sciences and the other in Agriculture Education in 2009; and an Associate’s degree in Aircrew Safety Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force in 2015. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Delaware and Summa Cum Laude from Strayer University. Mutter is a member of the following organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States; Air Force Sergeants Association; and she is the President of the Junior Enlisted Council on base. While pursuing her scholastic endeavors she made huge strides in her military career.

Mutter entered the Delaware Air National Guard as an enlisted aircrew flight equipment technician in the 142nd Airlift Squadron. As a Staff Sergeant, she served as the Safety and Occupational Health Manager for the 166th Airlift Wing. She deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan from 2007-2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, she excelled working in support of the 166th AW operations group commander support staff and the wing safety office.

If you are interested in commissioning opportunities contact the Delaware ANG Recruiting and Retention Manager Master Sergeant Samuel Lewis.