22nd MDSS 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.

Airman 1st Class Jordan Lawton, 22nd Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician apprentice, was selected as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing spotlight performer for the week of Oct. 6 to 11.

He enlisted one year and nine months ago and has been stationed at McConnell Air Force Base since June 2013. As a laboratory technician, he completes proficiency testing, validates more than 800 quality control items and performs laboratory testing for approximately 2,000 patients.

His outstanding work ethic led to the collection of over 250 physical health assessment samples, helping the wing achieve the lowest infant mortality rate in the Air Force.

"Lawton puts the commander's intent into action by setting the standard and leading by example," said Master Sgt. Hilda Holmes, 22nd MDSS superintendant. "He has completed 64 credit hours toward his Community College of the Air Force Associates Degree in applied science while maintaining a 3.9 GPA."

He challenged and passed the Medical Laboratory Technician National Board Certification, placing him with the top 14 percent of military lab technicians who have earned it.

Outside of the work environment, Lawton can be found hosting the Den, a recreation room for dorm residents. There, he maintains equipment and keeps the snack area stocked for patrons.

Lawton also volunteers his time with the 22 ARW Adopt-a-Highway cleanup programs and has collected over 16 bags of trash.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
My most positive influence would be my dad. He served in the Air Force for 20 plus years. Watching him work taught me a lot. He left for work long before I woke up and came home long after I went to bed. He kept a spare uniform in his office in case he stayed the night. He taught me dedication, devotion and how to work with a sense of purpose.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
I would love to pass on the best advice I was given - don't be afraid to fail. Even this early in an Air Force career, we are given plenty of opportunities outside of our comfort zones and of what we believe are our talents. Take those opportunities, trust in your ability to adapt and overcome, and you may be surprised to find out what you love and what you're good at.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I would like to get a graduates degree before I leave the Air Force. I can't imagine letting myself leave without a bachelor's, but walking away with a Master's or Ph.D. is the brass ring I'm reaching for.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
Germany is easily the most interesting place I have traveled to. The culture is familiar, but still startlingly different than what I grew up in. Castles and ruins that we consider ancient, they see as little more than commonplace. The people are sociable without being overbearing, and I never had a single meal that was less than delicious.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union. Many rulers in his original position would have lashed out at failing the war, would have acted out as dictators, in desperate acts of violence. Instead, President Gorbachev welcomed the changing tides, and did his level best to usher his nation and the world into a more peaceful era.

I'm very interested in Political Science, because there is no aspect of sociology, philosophy, technology or economics that it doesn't touch. It's interesting to watch the ebb and flow of American politics, and after I get out of the Air Force I could see myself teaching politics, or if I'm lucky, participating.