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.
Senior Airman Justin Bankson, 350th Air Refueling Squadron aviation resource management journeyman, received the spotlight performer for the week of April 4-8.
Bankson inputs and audits aircrew training events and flying hour data through the Aviation Resource Management System. He also provides his squadron leadership with weekly unit training currency status reports and ensures aircrew are current and qualified to execute the mission.
"Senior Airman Bankson epitomizes the Air Force Core Values each and every day,” said Lt. Col. Jason Pavelschak, former 350th ARS commander. “His dedication and commitment to the mission is unmatched. He is an exceptional team member who makes those around him better."
Bankson, a San Antonio native, joined the Air Force in May 2012 and arrived at McConnell in September 2012. His hobbies include playing basketball, video games and riding motorcycles.
Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
There have been so many positive influences in my life from supervisors all the way to family and friends. I would thank every single one of them.
If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
I would say, ‘buckle up, it’s going to be bumpy ride.’ In all seriousness though, I would tell them to hold their head high and value the uniform they wear. Take pride in what you do because not many people would do what we do. Also, try your hardest to be your best every day.
What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
Since the release of enlisted personnel being able to fly Remotely Piloted Aircraft, it has caught my attention greatly, and I hope the career field continues to grow so I can be one of the lucky few to be chosen for that great opportunity.
Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
I would say Doha, Qatar, was one of the most interesting. It has so much culture I have never been accustomed to. Seeing the way they live and experience things like Ramadan, it really opened my eyes to how big this world really is and how we all live different lifestyles.
If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
One person I would love to meet would be Michael Jordan. I would want to pick his brain and see what inspired him to strive so hard to be one the greatest basketball players of all time and then leave the league and be so successful while others fail.