349th ARS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 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 Carlos Gonzalez, 349th Air Refueling Squadron aviation resource manager, was selected as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing spotlight performer for the week of Oct. 21 to 25.

Gonzalez has been in the Air Force since August 2012 and arrived at McConnell AFB on New Year's Eve the same year.

His job as an aviation resource manager requires him to keep track of aircrew qualifications for the boom operators and pilots in his squadron.

"During the time I've known Gonzalez, he has constantly displayed exceptional integrity," said Staff Sgt. Buck Frank, 349th ARS aviation resource manager and Gonzalez's supervisor. "He's always the first one in the office and never tries to leave until he has accomplished all of his work to his high standards."

Gonzalez is known to help recruit other Airmen from his unit to volunteer for events such as retirement ceremonies or Habitat for Humanity. He is also currently on the planning committee for the squadron holiday party, said Frank.

The Rochester, N.Y., native enjoys working out, reading and spending time with his friends when he is off duty.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influence in my life is my mother. She's always been there to give me support when I needed it the most, no matter what. My mother always encourages me to do positive things and to put 100 percent of my effort into everything I do.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
I would advise new Airmen to take their Career Development Courses seriously, because if you fail the end of course test it could affect your career. I would also recommend that new Airmen pursue or further their education as soon as they can to help set them up for success in the future.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
One goal I would like to accomplish in my Air Force career is to make Senior Airman "Below The Zone" and make the rank of staff sergeant by the age of 21.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have traveled to is Cozumel, Mexico. I found it interesting because the way of life and the culture down there is completely different from New York. It was extremely fun living a different lifestyle for a few days and participating in activities I'm not able to do back home.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, it would be the Greek philosopher Socrates. I find it inspirational how he promoted independent thought, saying whatever was on their mind and how he encouraged people to honestly question their preconceptions. I would love to get the chance to sit down with him and talk about our philosophical beliefs.