22nd ARW member earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Leon
  • nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
22MCCONNELL 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.

Jamie Young, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Command Post specialist and command and control procedures manager, was selected as the 22nd ARW spotlight performer for the week of July 1 to 5.

Young joined Team McConnell in October 2009. She enjoys walking, riding bikes, fishing, golfing and going to the movies while off-duty.

Young's position makes her responsible for command and control for the 22nd ARW commander and senior staff, coordination, monitoring and reporting mission movement during pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight phases to make certain the success of mission completion.

Young has trained more than 400 crewmembers in command and control procedures to ensure proper execution of orders during emergency war operations.

"She is a superior performer amongst the highly trained command post consol operators," said Maj. Eliud Torres, 22nd ARW CP chief. "She is absolutely pivotal to the no-fail operations at McConnell AFB and it is my honor to nominate her."

Young, who functions as the executive agent for the wing commander, Crisis Action Team, Air Mobility Command, Task Force 294, and U.S. Strategic Command with respect to command and control during peacetime and emergency war operations, also conducts command and control procedures training for all aircrew members at McConnell AFB as required by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, STRATCOM and AMC.

Within the last three months, she has completed 18 credit hours while maintaining a 3.84 GPA, as well as accomplishing eight hours of Federal Emergency Management Agency online independent-study courses.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My mom has been a positive influence in my life. She has always been my biggest fan and my best friend. More than that, she has taught me to always work hard and be grateful for what I have. Even through her struggles, she has always had a positive outlook and never lets life get her down. Her love and support are irreplaceable.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
My advice would be to start your education as soon as you complete your upgrade training. Set a personal goal and follow through. I put off getting my degree, and now I am playing catch up. Getting started is the hardest part. Once you decide what it is you want to do, go for it. The payoff is worth the hard work.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security/Emergency Management is the goal I am working towards right now. I started in December and I have a projected graduation date of September 2015. It is important for me to earn my degree because I want to do something that I love, but I also want to make my son proud of me.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
While on active duty, I was deployed for six months to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. I had to opportunity to travel to the capital, Bishkek, several times. The area is full of history and diversity.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
My dad was adopted before he was two years old. Several years ago, he found his biological family. My biological grandfather was in the Army and met his wife while stationed in Germany. I would like to meet his family, in order to get a sense of where I come from.