384th ARS 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.

Capt. Phil Cook, 384th Air Refueling Squadron pilot and chief of safety, received the spotlight performer the week of Jan. 11 - 15.

Cook's responsibilities as the chief of safety include managing the squadron safety shop to nurture an effective and safe mission environment. As a pilot, he is part of a three-person crew tasked with providing fuel to U.S. and foreign assets anytime and anywhere.

"In less than one year here, Cook distinguished himself as a combat aviator, exemplary officer and stand-out role model to all Airmen who share the privilege of wearing a United States Air Force uniform," said Lt. Col. Aaron Walenga, 384th ARS operations officer. "He ran the 384th ARS safety shop resulting in zero reportable mishaps, furthered Air Force heritage by emceeing the Square Patch reunion and excelled while flying air refueling sorties supporting the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.  When I think what an Airman should be, I am Square Patch proud to point to Capt. Phil Cook as my leading example."

Cook commissioned in the Air Force May 2011 and arrived at McConnell February 2015. His hobbies include of working out, volunteering at church, cooking for the homeless and brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
I've been blessed to have a team of support my entire life. My family, without a doubt, inculcated a hard work ethic and consistent positive life outlook from the beginning. There are a lot of firsts in my family: my grandparents were the first in their respective families to complete high school, and my parents were the first to attend college and obtain an advanced degree.  Watching their success from humble beginnings demonstrated the power of hard work in the United States and the ability to never become a victim to your situation.
Currently, my wife is a rock for me and our family. Despite the moves, deployments, etc., she's continued to be the most resilient and thriving person I know.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why? 
Growing up, my mom would constantly quote Abraham Lincoln: "Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be." Although I can't say that I perfectly live by my own advice, I believe this quote drives a deeper issue about gratitude, perspective, and joy. Embodying qualities of peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc., are absolutely choices you can make every morning. 

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career? 
I would eventually like to become an instructor in the KC-135 Stratotanker. I was no Chuck Yeager in pilot training, so I'd like to use my past experiences (good and bad) to teach pilots of all experience levels. 

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way? 
My wife and I saved money for years to travel to Tahiti for our honeymoon. The best part of the vacation was the lack of cell service; it allowed us to throw away all distractions and relax. 

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why? 
I would love to travel back in time to meet Abraham Lincoln. I am astonished how intelligent and articulate of a man he was despite his self-educated and humble background. I would especially like to watch the Lincoln-Douglas debates, which, in my opinion, are the greatest examples of oration in our nation's history.