"Hi Sharon,
Yes, I am a Christian! Congratulations on graduating with honors. You go, Girl! Keep your spiritual eyes and ears open; God's got great plans for you.
When I was seven years old, my grandmother asked me what did I want to be when I grew up. A week prior to her question, I asked my cousin Betty (who lived in Tuskegee, AL) why she lived so far from home. She told me she was in school, working on her PhD. When I asked her what that was, she told me it was a level in school that when you reached it, people would have to call you, "Doctor". I liked that. So when my grandmother asked me what I wanted to be, I rattled off about six things; then I remembered Betty, and said, "And, I want to get my PhD, so people will have to call me 'Dr. Gwen'!" Although Grandma Levonia went home to be the Lord in '03, my husband challenged me to keep my promise to her. I'm currently working on my doctorate in Public Health (Community Health Promotion & Health Education). I'm also an Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. It's an awesome place to be in--walking in God's plan & purpose for your life.
Keep walking with God, Sharon.
Always,
Gwen Turner"
I've been through a lot; but thank God, I'm still standing. I also thank God that I've learned, 'it's not what happens to you; but how you respond to what happens to you, that matters'. I don't get bitter, I get better, every day.
Happily married to my soulmate, Ron Turner; two handsome sons (2 daughters-in-love; grandsons-AJ & Zakai; granddaughters-Nani & Nina); loving my job as a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor at Edwards Air Force Base, CA; staying young by swimming, walking, and eating whole foods plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle. Also building a financial services marketing business to carry me into retirement and beyond. I LOVE helping people.
Life & Professional Aspirations:
Thankful to have achieved my doctorate in Addiction Studies. Now, I aspire to build an awesome financial services marketing business with my husband, in order to build a legacy for our family. The best is coming!
While at Albany State, I founded the first Rams Booster Club! Joined the Air Force after college and toured the world. Originally from Blakely, Georgia; but have lived in Lancaster, California since 1993, when we came here with the Air Force. Currently with the Air Force as a Federal Employee; but planning to retire within the next 2 years.
Most Memorable Moment:
After having volunteered in almost every office on campus (simply because I enjoyed doing it); the comptroller came to me and offered me a paying job on campus! I really needed it! I graduated from the Georgia State Police Academy and worked with Campus Safety until I left the area in May 1984.
High School: Early County High in Blakely, GA
class of 1977
Activities & Accomplishments:
Basketball, Track & Field, Slightly above average student
Best Memories:
The friends I made and kept; the sporting events we celebrated (sober). Awesome, good time!
Substance Abuse Program Specialist|
U.S. Air Force
From November 2007 to Current • 19 year(s)
Assists in implementation of ADAPT Program, applies professional knowledge of 12 Core Functions to drug and alcohol abuse situations, develops treatment programs for active duty military personnel.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist|
U.S. Air Force
From April 2004 to November 2007 • 3 year(s)
Coordinated and presented drug testing training, performed administrative duties, provided information to leadership regarding drug abuse prevention policies and programs.
Family Advocacy Program Assistant|
U.S. Air Force
From December 2003 to March 2004 • 1 year(s)
Provided administrative, technical and prevention services, maintained automated data collection systems, compiled statistical data and prepared reports.
Physical Education Teacher|
Westside Union School District
From July 1995 to June 2003 • 8 year(s)
Taught Physical Education for grades 6-8 with large class sizes, participated in programs for at-risk students, co-directed Student Council for three years.
Health Services Management Journeyman|
U.S. Air Force
From November 1985 to September 1995 • 10 year(s)
Supervised Outpatient Records Section, safeguarded medical records information in accordance with FOIA directives, identified problems and analyzed data for process improvement.
Director, Youth Activities|
U.S. Marine Corps
From July 1984 to August 1985 • 1 year(s)
Planned and organized physical education activities for 270+ children, supervised staff of 12 youth counselors, coordinated field trips and meal planning.
Public Safety Officer|
Albany State University
From March 1981 to March 1984 • 3 year(s)
Graduate of Georgia State Police Academy, responsible for physical security of buildings and personal property, participated in investigations and arrests.
Youth Counselor, Volunteer|
Boys/Girls Clubs of America
From May 1980 to October 1981 • 1 year(s)
Coordinated sports training for children ages 7-18, planned water safety classes, coached boys' basketball and utilized drug abuse prevention knowledge.
