HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Today’s spotlight is U.S. Air Force veteran Cortney Orrego.

Cortney spent her childhood moving around as an Army brat but mostly grew up in Junction City, Kansas. She enlisted in the Air Force in 2008 and served seven years.

Cortney’s job specialty was in aerospace physiology, which she said was “one of the most unique and amazing jobs in the military.”

She was attached to the 9th Physiological Support Squadron out of Beale AFB, California and provided support during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“My proudest moments were always with my unit,” she said. “It was a very unique and amazing squadron providing direct support for all U2 operations, as well as physiology support for the aircrew members in the west region. The feeling I would get after hooking a pilot into the jet and hearing that jet take off was always my favorite part and always made me so proud.”

One of Cortney’s most memorable experiences was when she got to be part of the physiology training team that worked directly with Felix Baumgartner, as he was training for historical record-breaking highest free fall from a hot air balloon.

During her Air Force career, Cortney earned two achievement medals and a commendation medal. She also was a Beale AFB honor guardsman of the year.

Currently, Cortney lives on Hill Air Force Base with her husband, who is still active duty with the 388th MXG. She works civil service for the 348th Air Force Recruiting Squadron-Air Force Health Professions. She and her husband have a child with one on the way, so she loves spending time and exploring Utah with her family, as well as enjoying photography when she does get some free time.

Thank you for your service, Cortney.