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. Eloy Garcia, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, received the spotlight performer for the week of Jan. 2-6.
Garcia enforces both national and Department of Defense fire safety standards in 249 facilities. He conducts annual building inspections and documents finds in online databases as well as facility folders. He also performs fire safety public education and outreach programs for the wing to include dependents and retirees.
“Garcia is one of the most energetic and hands-on NCO’s I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” said Master Sgt. Matthew Reichle, 22nd CES assistant chief of fire prevention. “He has single-handily developed a flight Facebook page that has reached 986 people in his goal of educating the McConnell community. He has not only mentored his subordinates but has influenced close to four thousand local elementary school students.”
Garcia, a McAllen, Texas, native, joined the Air Force in February 2009 and arrived at McConnell in March 2013. His hobbies include competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, trying new cooking recipes, frequenting micro-breweries, riding his bike and shopping for vintage vinyl.
Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influence is my younger brother Alex. He always helps me see things in a different perspective and challenges me to improve myself and not be stagnant.
If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
My advice to new Airmen would be to get out of your comfort zone. Do things that challenge you in your work and in your personal life. Never be afraid to fail, so long as you give it your best.
What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I would like be able to influence and help mold the future of the Air Force. The Air Force has offered me so many opportunities to become a better ‘me’, and I think helping others obtain that same thing would be just as rewarding.
Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
My first assignment was in South Korea, Kunsan Air Force Base. It was a massive experience to travel half way across the world to a foreign place I have never even thought of going to. The real reason this place was so interesting and special to me was because I would be the second Garcia in my family to travel to South Korea. My Grandfather had fought in the Korean War and experienced Korea in a very different light. Now, 57 years later, I went to this country that had flourished so much since then and experienced new things while connecting to my late grandfather at same time.
If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?I would like to meet the actor and writer Matt Damon. Though it sounds a little cliché to pick a famous actor, I really do admire his humanitarian work, and I have always been a huge fan of his movies and screenplays.