22nd ARW Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Colby 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 Darin Syra, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command post controller, was chosen as the 22nd ARW spotlight performer for the week of Sept. 23 to 27.

As a command post controller, he is required to coordinate with other agencies and organizations on base during planning, executing and evaluation phases of CP operations. He also receives and takes action on alert messages.

Syra has been stationed at McConnell for more than a year, and in the Air Force for more than a year and a half. When he's not working, he enjoys doing projects around the house, working on cars and doing other outdoor activities.

"Airman Syra reflects the highest level of professionalism and inspires a culture of excellence in all," said Staff Sgt. Shemeka Bradley, 22nd DS command, control and procedures training instructor, "In addition to always attempting to better himself and the CP team. He commits to bettering not only the base but also the community as well."

He took advantage of many community events and managed to help raise more than $1,000 for the base through volunteer opportunities.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?

The most influential person in my life would have to be my grandmother, Jill Syra, who raised me from the age of two. She worked three jobs to support me and my grandfather, who was terminally ill for 10 plus years. She showed me the meaning of hard work and that you have to always have a plan in life. It was her determination that taught me to never let the attitudes or actions of others get in the way of my own goals and desires.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?

My advice to new Airmen would simply be to listen to those appointed above you, but do not be hesitant to ask questions or bring up ideas; they may end up making your job and overall work experience easier as well as more efficient. It would also behoove them to start early in school and continue to work towards more education once they acquire their Community College of the Air Force degree, and finally, never stop improving yourself or expanding your knowledge.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?

One goal that I have achieved so far in my Air Force career is to actively work toward my CCAF by means of the college level examination program and defense activity for non-traditional education support. A short-term goal that I am striving to accomplish is making senior airman below-the-zone and in turn being able to make staff sergeant on my first try. For my long term goal I would like to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management in hopes of one day working for Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?

One of the most interesting places that I have been would have to be the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, primarily for the history and advancements that have been made over the years involving air power.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Given the opportunity to meet anyone in the world I would most likely want to meet one of my great ancestors to better track my family tree and find out why they decided to make the move from Germany to the United States in the mid 1800's.