22nd CONS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Colby L. Hardin
  • 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 Russell Lund, 22nd Contracting Squadron contract apprentice, was chosen as the 22nd ARW spotlight performer for the week of Oct. 28 to Nov. 1.

As a contract apprentice, he is required to provide the wing with services and supplies. He researches and finds products with the most advantageous offers for the government to invest in.

Lund has been stationed at McConnell AFB for approximately six months and has been enlisted in the Air Force for almost a year. When he's not working, he enjoys playing basketball, listening to music and taking part in multiple water activities.

"As his supervisor, it is impressive to me that as such a young Airman, his actions are always oriented towards achieving his next goal," said Staff Sgt. Robert Sovern, 22nd Contracting Squadron contracting administrator. "His unwavering commitment to excellence is a trait that all Airmen should strive to emulate."

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
I'd say that the person who most directly had the most positive influence in my life would be my stepbrother. Although he wasn't really around for the most part, he still had a monumental impact on what guided my choices in the past and now. He planned on joining the service but wanted to wait a year so he could have some fun first. He ended up getting in trouble and was then unable to join. After what he went through, he had so much advice on what to do, what to stay away from and so many other things that may not interest anyone else, but I appreciated everything he lectured me on. He has helped me more than he may know.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
My advice to new Airmen would be to get out and socialize. There are a number of organizations to get involved with here at McConnell such as the Airmen's Den, Airmen's Council, or the dorm staff that can help you get connected with so many other Airmen. Getting associated with others will help you find things to keep busy, whether it's a volunteer project or a social event. It's hard not to enjoy your time when you're with a good group of friends.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
One of the major goals I plan to accomplish during my Air Force career is probably the same as many other Airmen; to better myself by taking advantage of the free schooling the Air Force offers. I believe knowledge is power, especially in today's society, and I want to take every opportunity I can to learn as much as possible, whether it's learning more about my job, take College Level Examination Program courses, go to school or some other outlet.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
I haven't really been to many different places, let alone "interesting" ones. Out of few places I have been, I would have to say that St. Augustine, Fla. It is a very scenic city. There are a lot of historical places to visit and explore as it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement and port in the continental United States.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Marshall Bruce Mathers III, also known as Eminem. He doesn't seem like the best role model and his music can be far from inspirational, but among all those crazy, off-the-wall songs, there are a handful that can really talk to you or relate to how you feel. I find him interesting and would like to get the chance to talk to him and get to know him more as a person rather than the artist the public knows him as. He seems like a funny guy to hang out with.