22nd CES Airman earns Faces of A/R recognition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – For Airmen to earn a Faces of A/R recognition, they must be nominated by members of their leadership, who choose individuals based on their demonstration of the Air Force's Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Staff Sgt. James Burnett, 22nd Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team leader and supply non-commissioned officer in charge, received the Faces of Air Refueling recognition April 13.

Burnett performs operations to identify, render safe and dispose of hazardous aircraft systems, conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. He also utilizes EOD tools and techniques to mitigate and render safe improvised explosive devices. Burnett prepares, conducts and instructs training classes for McConnell total force as well as local state and federal law enforcement personnel.

“Without a doubt, he is one of the most selfless [Airmen] in the flight,” said Master Sgt. Eric Barger, 22nd CES EOD flight chief, “He always puts the mission first and is willing to fill short notice temporary duty assignments without any complaint.”

Burnett also researches, budgets and procures training for flight personnel and equipment for maintaining base support capabilities and mobility sets.

“He helps out any member of the flight with whatever they need if they have a TDY,” Barger continued. “He will watch pets, kids and the house. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it.”

The Silverdale, Washington, native joined the Air Force in September 2008 and arrived at McConnell in November 2013.

What are the best parts about the job?

The best part is supporting the base and our local community when called upon for emergency responses. It gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment to protect others from the growing threat of explosive devices.

How do you feel you contribute to the mission?

Taking the experiences I’ve been through and learned from and passing that on to the younger Airmen in our unit. Training is a large part of our day-to-day here in preparation for the next conflict. With the changing environment in which we work today, I think it’s important not to forget the lessons our career field taught us during our time spent deployed and in combat zones.

What are the keys to success in your Air Force career?

Finding what makes me happy that also coincides with what is beneficial for the Air Force. I’ve learned that if I keep my focus on the mission and what needs to be done without seeking recognition then everything else just falls in line.

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

After a decade in EOD and two deployments to Afghanistan, I’ve realized that what I am truly passionate about is helping and caring for others. My primary care manager team here at McConnell has inspired me to pursue a career in that profession and I am currently going to school with hopes of getting accepted to the Inter-service Physician Assistant Program and commissioning.