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 Kimberly Wareham, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, received the spotlight performer for the week of May 22-26.
The Texas native maintains, inspects, operates, troubleshoots and repairs the turbo-prop engine and auxiliary power units for the KC-135 Stratotanker. She performs adjustments, leak checks, engine trims and engine system diagnostics on associated aircraft maintenance components and systems. She also schedules, organizes, documents and tracks training with updates and reviews of maintenance information documentation systems.
“Wareham performs her duties at a level that truly outweighs what her peers are doing,” said Tech. Sgt. Kelly Morrison, 22nd AMXS section chief. “She is the epitome of the Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do. She doesn’t sit around waiting for someone else to fill the void she sees a need and takes action to fulfill it.”
She joined the Air Force July 2015 and arrived at McConnell in November 2015. Her hobbies include photography, coffee roasting and anything outdoors.
Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influences in my life are both my dad and my grandfather. My dad is one of the hardest working people I have ever met and takes pride in everything he does. He has always been there as a role model and to push me to go further in life. My grandfather worked on C-130 Herculeses during Vietnam. Growing up listening to his stories has always been an inspiration to do something great.
If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
Any time that I spent the night at a friend’s or relative’s house growing up, my father would always give me the same piece of advice: “Wherever you go, leave that place in a better condition than when you found it.” I think that those are great words to live by in all situations. In the workplace, if you see trash lying in the grass, pick it up. If you find something that’s broken or not right, fix it or find someone who has the power to do so. Take pride in where you work and the job you do.
What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I recently applied to Arizona State University’s engineering management program. My goals are to get a degree in aerospace engineering and then an airframe and power plant license.
Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
When I was about eight years old, my aunt promised my cousin and I that if we graduated high school she would take us to Paris. When I was a junior in high school and my cousin was a senior, she kept her promise. We visited all of the famous landmarks and ventured out a little to Versailles. I fell in love with the history and the culture, and I picked up as much of the language as I could. That trip inspired a dream to backpack Europe one day.
If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I think Louis Armstrong would be an interesting person to sit down and have a conversation with. I’m intrigued by his life story and influence over music in early 20th century New Orleans.