22nd MXS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina M. Brisbin
  • 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.

Tech. Sgt. Stephen Guthrie, 22nd Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman, was chosen as the spotlight performer for the week of Feb. 18 to 22, 2013.

As an aerospace propulsion craftsman, Guthrie supervises and performs periodic inspections for assigned aircraft in accordance with applicable work cards and technical manuals. He also performs 7-level after-action serviceability verification on critical engine and auxiliary power units.

Guthrie has been in the Air Force since September 2000 and at McConnell for 11 months. When he's not fulfilling his role as a propulsion craftsman, he enjoys watching sports and spending time with his wife and children.

"Sgt Guthrie is known in the flight for being enthusiastic in his duties, leading by example both on and off-duty for all of us to follow and having fun doing so," said Master Sgt. Michael Snavley, 22nd MXS jet section chief. "He's a tremendous NCO that has mastered the skills of an aerospace propulsion craftsman and has applied those skills in the largest flight within the maintenance group, but more importantly he is passing that knowledge down to his subordinates making the maintenance flight a stronger flight for future mission requirements."

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My grandfather Leo was the most positive influence in my life. Even though I never had the chance to know him, I learned that he received the Purple Heart during WWII. After the war, he displayed a hard work ethic that he passed down through the generations. I would like to think that I can show that same determination to my children.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
New Airmen should come to work with a great attitude and the willingness to learn new things each day. When issued Career Development Course books, they need to complete them as soon as possible and then enroll in college or test out of classes and at a minimum complete their Community College of the Air Force degree before their next enlistment.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I have completed my CCAF degree and I would like to finish my bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics before my re-enlistment in 2015.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have been to is Afghanistan. I served three tours and each deployment I was able to meet new people pulling for the same common purpose. I was able to meet some great guys in Army while traveling in a convoy for a MRT. We are still friends to this day.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone, I would want to meet Ronald Reagan. Simply put, he was a great man and a great president who displayed true leadership that not only turned our country around financially, but also brought an end to the Cold War, making the world a safer place to live.