OG highlights boom operator Published July 22, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Staff Sgt. JonPierre Castech 22nd Operations Group special operations logistics boom operator Sergeant Castech is from Bakersfield, Calif., and has been in the Air Force for six years. He has been stationed at McConnell for five years. When he's not at work, he enjoys sports and nearly anything outdoors including riding his motorcycle. What do you enjoy most about McConnell? I enjoy watching people trying to drive on the ice in the winter. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? It is the ultimate way of showing the pride I have being a member of the greatest nation in the world. What would you like to accomplish during your Air Force career? My biggest aspiration is to accomplish my bachelor's degree which I should complete by November. Who is the most positive influence in your life and why? My wife would most definitely be my most positive influence. She is such a determined person. It is nearly impossible for her to set low expectations and goals in life. What would you be most proud to tell your parents? Sometimes I think pictures are much more boastful than words so I really enjoy showing my mom pictures. Deployment pictures and pictures of my wife and me in our new house seem to bring out the biggest smiles. What would you like to tell someone who is considering joining the Air Force? I often tell people if you're single and don't mind being gone a lot there are very many perks the Air Force has to offer. On the other hand, if you're married with young kids or looking to start a family there is going to be a lot of important family events that might be missed because of deployments and needs of the Air Force.