22nd FSS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • 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.

Staff Sgt. Mario Muse-Suber, 22nd Force Support Squadron manpower analyst, was selected as spotlight performer for the week of Feb. 25 to March 1, 2013.

Muse-Suber has been in the Air Force for six years and at McConnell for seven months. When he is not working mission support group manpower issues, he is involved in pursuing his off-duty education and is currently enrolled in 12 hours of night classes at Wichita State University, Kan.

Muse-Suber recently retrained into manpower career field. At the 22nd FSS, he conducts comprehensive manpower and organizational analyses of a wide variety of organizations, functions and work processes, and provides management consultant services to improve mission effectiveness, resource efficiency and savings.

"I have really been impressed with how quickly he has grasped his new duties," said Craig Van Praag, 22nd FSS manpower chief. "He has really taken to manpower like a fish to water."
Not only has he excelled in his primary duties, but he has been involved in base activities. Muse-Suber serves as the treasurer on the unit advisory council. He was also chairman of the African American History Month event committee for the McConnell AFB Library Story Time, where he read President Barack Obama's children's book, "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters," to 12 children.

"Mario is truly an example for all Airmen to emulate," said Van Praag. "He is a true asset and has been a great addition to the manpower office."

While off-duty, the Greenville, S.C., native enjoys school, playing basketball, fantasy football and reading.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My paternal great-grandfather is the biggest influence in my life. He taught me the importance of an education at a young age and it is because of him that I am pursuing my degree.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
I would tell a new Airman that your career is what you make it. I believe that if a young Airman shows initiative and a drive to be successful in his or her career, then the only person who can get in that Airman's way is his or herself.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
The biggest goal for me is earning my degree in finance before I retire.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have traveled is Rome, Italy. The city is filled with great cuisine and beautiful architecture, such as the Vatican. Rome holds a lot of history, evident in some of the ancient architecture such as the Coliseum. The tour of the Coliseum was the best part of my trip.

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 it would be Ric Edelman. He is regarded by many as the top independent financial advisor in the nation.