22nd CONS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes
  • 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.

Airman 1st Class Christian Maya, 22nd Contracting Squadron contract administrator, was selected as the spotlight performer for April 21 through 25.

Maya's job requires him to procure services and supplies to support the members of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing.

The San Diego, California native joined the Air Force in July 2012 and has been a member of Team McConnell since January 2013. In his spare time he likes playing soccer and cooking.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My mother is the most influential person in my life. She's a very determined person who makes a habit of always giving me the best that she can. My mom is the reason why I joined the Air Force, which has led to me building a better future for myself and family.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
My advice to a new Airman would be, set short term and long term goals. They should also realize that pursuing your goals requires time, patience and dedication. If the opportunity arises, become a role model, always have integrity (an Air Force core value), and last but not least, be content with whatever decision you make in life.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
A goal I have is to become a commissioned officer. I am currently enrolled at Butler Community College where I am actively enrolled in classes to complete my Community College of the Air Force, and I only have three classes left. After completion of my CCAF, I will start on my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas has been the most interesting place I have traveled to. The two months I spent in Basic Military Training definitely changed my outlook on the Air Force and the military as a whole. BMT laid the solid foundation of work ethic, values, and dedication I needed to assist me with becoming a better military Airman and all-around person.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
If given the opportunity to meet anyone, I would like to meet Cesar Chavez. He was a Mexican-American farm worker who was later known as a Latino-American civil rights activist. He dropped out school in the seventh grade to work in the field because he didn't want his mother to be burdened with maintaining the fields. I feel I have a connection with him because we both are passionate about our families. Throughout Chavez's life, he fought to give field workers multiple rights to include higher wages for Mexican-American workers. I have great admiration for Chavez because he never allowed his circumstance to deter him from his goals. He had undying determination and limitless attitude.

There's one quote from Cesar Chavez that I always have in my mind "Si, se puede" or in English "Yes, it can be done."