350th Air Refueling Squadron Airman earns spotlight performer Published Dec. 1, 2014 By Senior Airman Jarrod Vickers 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- As a spotlight performer, individuals are chosen by leadership for demonstrating the Air Force's Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Senior Airman Tyler Rutledge, 350th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, was selected as the spotlight performer for the week of Nov. 23 through 29. Rutledge, a Hooks, Texas native, joined the Air Force in August 2011 and has been a member of Team McConnell since October 2012. As a boom operator, he refuels various aircraft around the globe. When he's not on duty, he enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. "Senior Airman Rutledge is an exceptional Airman who epitomizes the Air Force core values in everything he does both on and off-duty," said Lt. Col. Jason Pavelschak, 350th ARS commander. "He is one of the most dedicated and committed Airmen who I can always count on to safely and successfully accomplish any task given." Who is the most positive influence in your life and why? I would say my mom is the most positive influence in my life. She has always helped me stay on the best path in life. She motivates me to be the best person, husband and father that I could possibly be. If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why? The advice I would give a new Airman is to learn as much as possible about the Air Force and their specific job with the time that they have, to stay out of trouble and strive every day to be a better all-around person than they were the day prior. What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career? One goal that I would like to accomplish in my Air Force career would be to get my degree in fire science to become an emergency medical services firefighter. Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way? I would say the most interesting place I have traveled to would be Souda Bay, Greece. Knowing that I would probably never get the chance to go there again was awesome in itself. The people were very friendly, the food was great and the night life was interesting to say the least. 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, I would want to meet Si Robertson, mostly known for his role in the A&E series "Duck Dynasty." He is probably the most interesting person I've heard speak. He also seems to have a lot of life experience, like being in the Vietnam War. Also, he and his family are very spiritual people and I love that they don't mind showing their true colors.