22nd AMDS Airman earns spotlight performer

Published May 2, 2013
By Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- As a spotlight performer, individuals are chosen by leadership for demonstrating one or more of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander' s intents: Foster a culture of excellence ... Develop the next generation of leaders ... Set and achieve goals.

Senior Airman Douglas Livingston III, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical services journeyman, was chosen as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing spotlight performer for the week of April 29 to May 3.

Livingston has been in the Air Force for four and a half years and has been stationed at McConnell AFB since completion of technical training. As a medical journeyman, he assists with annual flight physicals and occupational health exams, sick call and routine appointments for the base flying and controlling populations and their families. His key responsibilities are to ensure that flyers and ground-based controllers are worldwide qualified for duty at all times.

Livingston's devotion to duty has directly impacted the Wing Individual Medical Readiness rate and has assisted with maintaining an outstanding 91 percent, making the 22nd ARW number one of the 12 Air Mobility Command bases the past year and currently ranked number one in the Air Force for compliance, said Senior Master Sgt. David Smith, 22nd AMDS superintendent.

In addition to his primary duties, Livingston has been a squadron physical training leader for seven months and has dedicated several hours weekly to assist personnel in the squadron and group with their fitness goals. Working one-on-one, he has assisted four members with previous failures and developed work out plans to ensure their assessments were passed, including running the assessment with the members.

"His outstanding dedication and enthusiasm were evident when all of the Airmen he assisted passed their test," said Smith.

Further involved in the 22nd Medical Group, Livingston is currently the group spirit lifter's treasurer and is assisting with the planning of nurse and tech week. He was actively involved with co-hosting the recent 22nd MDG Volunteer Appreciation luncheon, recognizing those who have donated their time to ensure we complete our mission.

"Livingston puts the commander's intent into action by setting the standard and achieving goals," said Smith. "He works hard to see that members of Team McConnell's flying community are seen as quickly as possible, while maintaining the highest level of expertise and professionalism. He sets the example for others to follow and inspires those around him to become better Airmen."

While not at the 22nd MDG, the Norman, Okla., native enjoys watching and participating in Crossfit and spending time with his family.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influence in my life would have to be Senior Master Sgt. David Smith. He has shown me that there is much more to being an Airman and a medic in today's Air Force. He has opened my eyes to a whole different side of the Air Force that I didn't know existed. He continues to push me day after day to be the best Airman and medic that I can be.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
The advice that I would give to new Airman would be to make the best of every situation and try to be a part of as many groups as you can, like the Airman's Council and other groups around the installation. Get involved with McConnell and the surrounding community. Not only will it help to build your career opportunities, but it can be fun as well.

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 is to retire as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
So far the most interesting place that I have traveled to was Camp Sather at Baghdad International Airport Iraq. I was there in the fall and winter of 2011. Since I joined the military, I wanted to deploy and was lucky enough to be able to volunteer out of my cycle and take this deployment. I enjoy putting my uniform on every day and serving for the greatest country in the world.

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 choose Audie Murphy. Audie Murphy was the most decorated World War II soldier and he was my third cousin. From early on, he fought through adversity. He came up from nothing and people told him he wasn't big enough to make a difference. He excelled in the service, from getting a battlefield promotion to lieutenant, to saving the lives of many people. It's people like this that make me proud to do what I do today in the U.S. Air Force. Without individuals like Audie, I wouldn't be where I am today. I would like to sit down and ask him about how he grew up and what went through his mind while he was at war.