COEUR d'ALENE - A 2015 Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy graduate and Air Force technical sergeant has been recognized for unwavering dedication and service.

Nicole McLain, now stationed in Germany, earned honors for her work at Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina during a recent ceremony. She was stationed at Pope from January 2021 until July 10.

"Thank you for your outstanding hard work and dedication to the 43rd Communications Squadron and Pope Army Airfield," her award states. "Your enthusiasm in tackling large projects and motivation to lead have exemplified Airmanship. Best wishes in your future endeavors."

Her dad, Russ McLain of Hayden, said his daughter is doing a fine job of representing Idaho out in the world.

“She’s not only representing herself and her family name, but the place that she came from," he said. "I’m really proud of that."

Tech Sgt. McLain, 26, left Coeur d'Alene at 18. She has been in the Air Force for eight years.

“She wants to be somebody,” Russ McLain said. “She doesn't try for the recognition. She does her job."

He attributes some of her success to the third grade teacher she had at Fernan STEM Academy, who introduced her to technical reading materials that helped her in her literacy journey.

"Mrs. Ison set her on her career path the first week of the third grade," Russ said. "That’s a huge influence.”

He also gives credit to Paul and Robin Wiles, who own the Breakfast Nook, where his daughter worked as a teenager.

“She learned how to work,” he said. “She learned what the world expects of her."