22nd CPTS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Colby L. Hardin
  • 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 Robert Santamaria, 22nd Comptroller Squadron customer technician, was chosen as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing spotlight performer for the week of June 10 to 14.

As a comptroller customer technician, he is required to collect any debt owed and help members of McConnell AFB establish payment plans to help with debt.

Santamaria fulfills the role of wing agency program coordinator, in which he ensures every squadron is using their government travel card properly.

"Santamaria eagerly accepted challenges and consistently volunteered to learn more about his career field," said Master Sgt. Freda Burks, 22nd Comptroller Squadron financial management flight chief. "He often operates in capacities normally filled by an NCO and has become the finance 'go to' person."

Santamaria has been in the Air Force for nearly two years and at McConnell since completion of technical school. When he's not at work, he enjoys playing poker, spending time with friends, snowboarding and jet skiing.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My family has been the most positive influence in my life. Since I was a kid to now, they have supported everything I do.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
My advice to a new Airman would be for them to check their leave and earning statements, because they are most likely getting over paid. You can avoid a lot of grief just by looking at it every month.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
One goal that I would like to accomplish in my Air Force career would be to make staff sergeant on my first try, or at least during my first enlistment.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have traveled to is a little village near Ensenada, Mexico. Building a house for them made me realize how different life is everywhere we are, whether it's for better or for worse. There is a lot more to be seen everywhere.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world I would want to meet my future self. He would help me win the lottery, avoid all those bad decisions in life, and possibly prolong my life.