22nd AMXS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Leon
  • 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.

Airman 1st Class Austin Weber, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance journeyman, was chosen as the spotlight performer for the week of Nov. 12 to 16, 2012.

The Norwich, Kan., native has been in the Air Force for more than a year and at McConnell since completion of technical training. He enjoys working on cars, hunting and riding his motorcycle.

"Weber achieved the commander's intents of fostering a culture of excellence and developing future leaders by stepping up and setting the example for his fellow maintainers by filling a short notice deployment," said Chief Master Sgt. John Crawley, 22nd AMXS superintendant.

One of his recent accomplishments includes winning first place in a steer wrestling competition, for which he received $5,000. He then donated half of his winnings to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
Kylie, my best friend in high school, was the most positive influence in my life; she was killed in an accident when hit by a drunken grain truck driver. She told me to always be nice, respectful and do your best every day.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
Don't be late, give your job 150 percent every day and it will pay off.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
Finishing college is a goal that I would like to accomplish during my Air Force career.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
Souda Bay, Greece, was my first temporary duty and was the most interesting place I have traveled. I'd never seen the sea until I saw the Mediterranean.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone in the world it would be U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh III, so I could talk to him and give him the young Airman's perspective and ask him what it takes to be a four-star general.



Editor's Note: Publication and recognition of this spotlight will occur in February due to deployment