22nd OG Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jenna K. Caldwell
  • 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.

Staff Sgt. Dydra Cook, 22nd Operations Group special operations communications journeyman, received the spotlight performer for the week of Oct. 10-14.

Cook executes the implementation of $3 million in special operations communications equipment on board the KC-135 Stratotanker. She provides primary command and control support for Special Operations Air Refueling local missions. She operates and maintains the command and control interoperability system to meet real-world mission and training objectives, and trains all aircrew in specialized communications equipment to meet SOAR operations.

“Cook is a consummate professional, teammate and NCO that ensures we execute our no-fail mission with success,” said Maj Scott Durham, 22nd OG chief special operations air refueling. “She is also the glue that holds the SOARCOM team together. We wouldn’t be the family we are without her.”

Cook, a Creswell, Oregon native, joined the Air Force in May 2010 and arrived at McConnell in August 2015. Her hobbies include spending time with her dogs, riding her motorcycle, cooking and playing video games.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My parents are the most positive influence in my life because they both taught me so much.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
One good piece of advice I would say is to take initiative and to learn at every opportunity because knowledge doesn’t always fall in your lap.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I would like to complete a bachelor’s degree before I sew on technical sergeant.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have traveled to would be the country of Jordan, because I got to swim in The Dead Sea.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Beyonce, because who doesn’t want to meet Beyonce?