22nd LRS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 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 Caleb Hubbard, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight distribution apprentice, was selected as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing spotlight performer for the week of July 8 to 12.

Hubbard is responsible for the operation of refueling vehicles and the hydrant pumping systems used to fuel KC-135 Stratotankers.

He joined the Air Force in May 2012 and arrived here five months later.

"Since arriving at McConnell and the fuels flight," said Master Sgt. Joseph Dudley, 22nd Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels management flight operations section chief, "Hubbard has continued to lead the way and do great things, standing out among his peers."

Hubbard was the day-shift pumper of the month in February and March, followed by becoming the flight's "Service King" in April.

He volunteered for squadron and wing events such as the "Halloween Hayride" and the McConnell AFB blood drive. He also volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters in-school program and been involved with the Airman's Council.

Hubbard completed all five volumes of his career development courses and 57 core tasks within five months and passed his end-of-course test with a score of 85 percent.

Since completing his CDCs, Hubbard has decided to continue his education by completing various classes, such as "train the trainer" and principles of supervision.

Hubbard was also coined by the 22nd Mission Support Group commander for his professional performance as the leader for his unit's checkpoint team during an operational readiness inspection.

"Hubbard is truly one of our best," said Dudley, "he stands out among his peers and is very deserving of this recognition."

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My father is the most positive influence on my life. He has and always will be my hero. He is not only the ultimate example of an excellent dad, but a spiritual leader and wise guide. He has given me guidance and direction physically, mentally and spiritually through wisdom, advice and his own life.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
The stereotypical response would be the Air Force core values, but I have found that following and expounding upon these few simple words is the best advice anyone could follow.

Integrity First - Live your life according to the rules and guidelines set in place by the Uniform Code of Military Justice and do your job according to the checklist laid out before you.

Service Before Self - Come in and do your job to the best of your abilities. Push yourself each day to be better than the day before.

Excellence in All We Do - This is the whole person concept. Coming into the job and working hard and doing your best to support the mission is not your only task. You must also take care of your family. They are your support and your foundation; it is imperative that a structure has a solid and working foundation. Lastly, it is important to take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Exercise, education and spiritual growth are three of the most important ways to become a well rounded individual and airman.

My short summary would be: live, learn and pass it on.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
My two main goals are to finish my bachelor's degree and to commission as an officer.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have ever traveled to is Budapest, Hungary. I grew up traveling to Mexico, Central and South America and it was an awesome experience to be able to visit and see another culture unlike what I had seen before. Budapest has a deep historical presence and beauty beyond compare through both the people and structures.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet the biblical Joshua and Caleb because they stood up for what they believed in with an unshakable faith and fortitude, even when their peers were willing to give up.