Courage in Action: The Story of Lt. Mackenzie Collins Published March 11, 2026 By Rachael Ferguson 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Embodying the values of courage, strength, integrity and leadership, 1st Lt. Mackenzie Collins showcases each of those qualities in her daily work with the U.S. Air Force and in her community. 1st Lt. Mackenzie Collins, 88th Force Support Squadron operations officer, smiles for a portrait in front of Wright-Patterson Community Center building, Feb. 27, 2026, on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ashley Richards) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Collins joined the Air Force inspired by her father to challenge and develop her leadership skills. She is the fifth generation of her family to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. She currently serves as operations officer for the 88th Force Support Squadron, a role that allows her to focus on what she loves most: taking care of people. “I get to oversee many of the behind-the-scenes processes that make sure the installation is fit, fed, lodged and entertained,” Collins said. “I love getting to take care of people!” Collins carries that same dedication into her volunteer work. In 2024, she began supporting a Dayton-based nonprofit that assists women affected by human trafficking. Over the past two years, she has participated in street outreach, delivered hygiene supplies, held baked goods sales to fund the organization, and trained to serve as a point of contact for rescued women working with law enforcement task forces. “Before I started volunteering in this space, I had many preconceived notions about the reality of human trafficking in America,” Collins said. “Volunteering shattered all of those. I’m thankful I have been able to contribute to programs that put traffickers away for good and serve in the hospitality home for women in some of Dayton’s toughest neighborhoods.” Collins acknowledges her faith as a driving force behind her commitment to helping marginalized people and confronting injustice. She said her faith informs her approach to leadership, integrity and decision-making, especially when choices are difficult or inconvenient. She also credits much of her personal and professional growth to her time in the Air Force. “It’s important to speak up for the things you are passionate about because you never know who might be listening or what opportunities it might create,” she said. “Live out the things that excite you. Have the courage to tell others!” Collins emphasizes the value of mentorship, encouraging others to connect with experienced individuals who can guide, challenge and support them. During her tenure at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Collins has received numerous accolades, including 88th ABW Company Grade Officer of the Year in 2024 and Officer of the Year for the AFLCMC Personnel Directorate in 2024 and 2025. Collins will be promoted to captain in April and begin her next assignment at the Pentagon, working in A1/A Analytics. There, she will focus on data storytelling and integrating artificial intelligence into the workforce to help the Air Force make informed decisions and free personnel to focus on critical, human-centered tasks.