The halls of the 62nd Airlift Wing's main building at McChord Field are filled with sophisticated graphic design posters - from titles such as AMC Vision to Honoring the Fallen to 62AW Portraits of McChord - all examples of the artistry and work of one Adamarie Lewis, the wing's media chief.

From the Fit for Freedom series posters to the 2012 Air Force Ball - Night at the Museum poster, Lewis has been designing McChord's artwork for the last 12 years.

"I've had a really satisfying career and a chance to spread my graphic wings," said Lewis, whose last day was Sept. 28. "I've shot (photos) on the flightline, done the graphics for para-education, and created the early McChord Field historical series and the original logo for Joint Base-Lewis McChord. My favorite was the Air Expo, talk about fun - it was awesome."

When she first came to McChord, Lewis knew little about military life and once even called an Airman a "master tech sergeant." Over time, she not only learned military rank, but also "came to appreciate and adopt the philosophy of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do," she said. "The military helped me crystallize how every professional should be in their jobs."

Lewis served as graphic designer and the point of contact for the public affairs office, and though the work was challenging, it was even more gratifying.

"That (Air Mobility Command) valued the products I created and continued to use my work was rewarding," she said. "I've done awards, retreats, graphic layout of online medium and put together whole projects. The Rodeo was one of those challenges that I was like yeah - it was so cool. I also ensured that the message we sent out and what our Airmen said was appropriate and representative of the Air Force. PAO is the inside-inside, and I was proud to be the trusted counsel of commanders."

Even in the ninth-grade, Lewis knew she wanted to be an artist, and when she graduated with an associate's degree from the Art Institute of Seattle, she knew the sky was the limit.

"Art is about communication," she said. "It's about finding new ways to express an idea and create something. To be able to meet the needs of the command and take their concept, mission and vision and turn it into something they liked was great."

Lewis takes with her fond memories of once walking out of her shoe while taking pictures during an important event, of running out of film in front of the commander during a "grip and grin" ceremony, and of "laughing too loud and too often," during serious moments, she said.

Still, for those who knew her, she leaves behind memories of an infectious laugh, a person with a great sense of humor and a woman who believes that laughter connects people.

"This wasn't just a job, it was my life," Lewis said. "These people became my family. I felt like I lived here more than at home at times, and I'm really going to miss it all. I loved it here."

Photo: Adamarie Lewis, chief of media for the 62nd Airlift Wing’s Public Affairs office, stands next to a piece of graphic artwork she did for the wing on her last day at McChord Field, moments after she received a special coin from wing leadership for her 12 years of service.