22nd LRS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  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.

Airman 1st Class Michael Stainbrook, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator/dispatcher, received the spotlight performer the week of Jan. 25 - 29.

Stainbrook, a Washougal, Washington native, helped a fellow Airman one cold night when his friend was robbed and couldn't gain entrance to base. Stainbrook walked from the dorms to the main gate, and set an example of what good Airmen should do.

"Stainbrook is a fantastic example of Airmanship," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Nieland, NCO in charge of vehicle operations control center support. "He works very hard and provides a great customer experience for us. We were all very proud when we heard what he had done, and I know he wouldn't hesitate to do it again."

Stainbrook's responsibilities as a vehicle operator/dispatcher include providing transportation services for distinguished visitors and special events; operating, servicing and performing preventative maintenance on government motor vehicles; conduct pre- and post-operation vehicle inspections and conduct night operations, including operating vehicles in blackout conditions.

Stainbrook joined the Air Force in April 2014 and arrived at McConnell in December 2014. His hobbies include snowboarding, cliff diving, hiking, reading and hanging with friends.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My grandpa is one of the hardest workers I know. He never complains, always starts his day early and finishes late. He provides for his family and takes care of his friends. My grandpa is just the definition of a major pillar that holds up our whole widespread family household.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why? 
I am still relatively new myself, but if I had to give advice I would say find a mentor. Find a few mentors that can help you in all different aspects of your personal life, your work life, and the goals that you wish to achieve in both of those realms.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
One of my goals is to own a few pieces of property while I'm in the military and saving money while in the dorms helps month by month to get me financially stable to achieve this goal. Another goal is to get my master's degree in personal financial management. With the Air Force providing free schooling almost all the way up to a master's, it will make it really easy for me to achieve this goal.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way? 
Spain on a temporary duty assignment was a great place to travel. I think it was the most interesting place because it was a bit of a culture shock. They took naps in the middle of the day (siesta time), all the shops would close except a few bars. Then after their siesta, they would resume their day around 7 p.m., walking their dog, finishing up shopping and just stuff everyone does day-to-day.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why? 
Travis Pastrana would probably be the guy I would like to meet the most if I had the opportunity. Just for the simple fact that I am a bit of an adrenaline junky as well. I just think we would do a lot of crazy things together.