384th ARS officer earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 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.

Capt. Mike Vilven, 384th Air Refueling Squadron chief executive officer, was chosen as the spotlight performer for the week of Dec. 10 to 14, 2012.

Vilven has been in the Air Force for almost five years and at McConnell for more than two. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, playing basketball, swimming and running, doing community services and spending time with his fiancée.

As the 384th chief executive officer, he assists the squadron commander in meeting 100 percent of the squadron goals, tracks suspenses, maintains metrics, coordinates commander's calls and supervises other executive officers.

"As a chief executive officer and previous assistant flight commander he has vaulted the 384th to new heights," said Lt. Col. Stan Lawrie, 384th ARS commander. "His personal dedication to excellence is unmatched as evidenced by his recent designation as Squadron Officer School distinguished graduate and peer elected top contributor in his flight. He is a standout amongst his peers and I am proud to have him on my team."

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influence in my life is my fiancée. After three years of dating, she has supported me through six deployments, multiple temporary duties, last minute trips and extensions. She always stays positive and despite many hurtles, really enjoys being a part of the Air Force family.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
This is my advice for a new Airman: From the day you start active duty, everything you do is being watched by someone. You only have a few opportunities to make an impression with your leadership and your peers. Work hard from day one and have a good attitude regardless of what you are doing.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I have accomplished so many goals that I have set for myself in the Air Force. My ten year goal is to be a squadron commander. I think being in a position to take care of people and help develop their careers would be extremely rewarding.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
I recently had the opportunity to go to Eastern Europe. It was extremely interesting because it was my first overseas trip as a new aircraft commander and although we were supposed to go to Bulgaria, we ended up in Romania due to bad weather. The Black Sea was awesome and the food and people were great. Despite a severe language barrier, everyone was friendly and the historic sites were unbelievable.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
This is a difficult question because there are just so many interesting and influential people in the world. I think it would be a cool opportunity to sit down and talk with Winston Churchill. He used his determination and leadership skills to unify Great Britain and its allies during a dark time in history. I really admire his perseverance and devotion. Apparently he was also pretty hilarious to be around.