22nd DS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 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.

Staff Sgt. Kassandra Suggs, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate NCO in charge of adverse actions, was selected as the 22nd ARW spotlight performer for the week of Oct. 28 to Nov. 1.

She enlisted in 2006 and joined Team McConnell in April 2013. Her role as the NCO in charge of adverse actions entails the management of administrative Articles 15, demotions, and discharges.

Her involvement with disciplinary administration requires her to directly assist commanders and first sergeants. She also recently began to carry an extended workload when the legal office civilian discharge clerk left for another job.

"Staff Sgt. Suggs stepped up and learned discharges with remarkable ease," said Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Franklin, 22nd ARW JA general law NCO in charge. "As a new paralegal, she is doing two peoples full-time jobs with remarkable success."

Suggs is also a facility manager, government purchase card holder, functional area records manager, and antiterrorism monitor.

"She constantly helps with everything in the office," said Franklin, "from volunteer work to doing front desk duty."

Outside of the work environment, she enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her daughter Katherine and husband Jesse.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My father is the most influential person in my life. He was in the military when I was growing up and taught me a lot about sacrifice. He taught me to always do the right thing, even if it's unpopular, so that I could always be proud of my decisions.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
I would tell new Airmen that their attitude affects absolutely everything. If it's a long day, a hard work load, or even if they feel that they have a bad assignment, having a positive attitude can make everything easier to handle.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I want to complete my education. I have already completed my Bachelor's degree in Project Management, and I plan on completing my master's degree.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
I think that the most interesting place I've traveled to is Balad AFB, Iraq. We weren't allowed to travel off base, but I was able to meet a lot of people from different nationalities and other services. It was interesting to see how people who were so different with different cultures interacted.

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 have to be Sandra Day O'Conner. I would love to talk to her about her decision making process. She voted in ways that many see as controversial, but I don't think that she ever compromised her morals.