22nd OG Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

As a spotlight performer, individuals are chosen by leadership for demonstrating the Air Force's Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

 

Staff Sgt. Jesus Rodriguez, 22nd Operations Group boom operator and unit deployment manager, received the spotlight performer for the week of May 23-27.

 

Rodriguez manages deployments for the Air Force’s largest KC-135 Stratotanker operations group comprised of more than 150 members. In addition to his primary duty as a UDM, he fills multiple additional roles to include the group’s emergency management representative and building manager.

 

"Staff Sgt. Rodriquez never ceases to impress with his work ethic, job knowledge, time management skills and intellect," said Maj. Andrew Nickles, 22nd OG mobility office chief. “He is currently developing the base’s Disease Containment Plan as the sole operations group representative. In the midst of all of the work he does for the operations group, Rodriguez also upholds a high level of proficiency as a KC-135 boom operator, executing multiple air refueling missions monthly.”

 

Rodriguez, an Aurora, Colorado, native, joined the Air Force in November 2009 and arrived at McConnell in May 2013. His favorite hobby is working on cars.

 

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?

The most positive influence in my life is my dad. He has a way of helping me see all the possibilities before making a life-changing decision.

 

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?

If I had to give advice, it would be to take care of yourself first, that way you can take care of your family and mission.

 

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?

My goal when I came into the Air Force was to be a sergeant.

 

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way? 

I got to spend a week in Korea. I saw and tasted a lot of different things that I wouldn’t have been able to if I wasn’t in the Air Force.

 

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I would meet Steve Jobs to ask him how he started Apple.