22nd Communications Squadron member earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Airman 1st Class Michael Persondek, 22nd Communications Squadron radio frequencies transmission systems technician, has been in the Air Force for one year and five months and has been stationed at McConnell for more than eight months. Airman Persondek is temporarily assigned to the 22nd Force Support Squadron Honor Guard as a ceremonial guardsman. His hobbies include watching football and hockey, exercising, reading, tinkering with small projects, relaxing and rejuvenating.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My most positive influence has been my dad because he taught me to have unwavering dedication when setting out to accomplish goals, instilled a strong work ethic, and showed me that arduous work doesn't go unnoticed or unrewarded.

What would you like to accomplish during your Air Force career?
My short-term goals are to finish my nearly complete Community College of the Air Force degree, hopefully obtain senior airman below-the-zone and test for my base honor guard black hat.
My long-term goals are to finish a bachelor's degree and start on my masters, possibly procure a position in the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., and work assiduously toward obtaining a commission.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I've traveled to was during a road trip my family and I took through the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec and then through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine along the Atlantic coast. I was especially fascinated by the French Canadian area of Quebec and the serene beauty of the national parks in New England. Another interesting part of our vacation was taking a high-speed ferry over to Nova Scotia and experiencing the untainted wilderness of our great neighbors to the north.

What is your favorite book/ movie and why?
I don't have one particular favorite book or movie, but one book I thoroughly enjoyed was "Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely. Absolutely fascinating, albeit a bit dry, it's an academic text that delves into the rationalities and irrationalities concerning behavioral economics. An electric mix of psychology and economics, it provides thoughtful insight into what really drives individuals in relation to consumerism and everyday decisions. I really enjoyed how strikingly accurate it was in accordance to everyday life -- borderline precognition in relation to predictability.

If you have the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet my Grandma Elaine. She unfortunately died of breast cancer when I was still an infant, and I have no recollection of her. I'd really like to talk to her about the lineage of our family.