22nd SFS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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 Charles Johnson, 22nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, received the spotlight performer for the week of May 16-20.

 

Johnson is responsible for protecting and defending the base with his canine partner, Jimmy. An MWD handler personally trains their assigned dog for law enforcement. This training teaches the dogs how to detect drugs and explosives.

 

"Senior Airman Johnson is one of the most driven, hardworking and inquisitive Airman I have worked with,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Urquhart, 22nd SFS kennel master. “Training him has been easy because he is willing to put in the work and always wants more information. To be honest, we can't get him to stop asking questions. I look forward to seeing where his career will go as he develops as a dog handler and a leader."

 

Johnson, a Loganville, Georgia, native, joined the Air Force in May 2012 and arrived at McConnell in November 2015. His hobbies include playing sports and X-Box.

 

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

My parents are the most positive influence in my life. They have raised me with the morals and values to be the best I can be. A lot of my success is based on their guidance and the lessons they taught me as a child that I have carried over into my adult life.

 

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

It would be to take control of your own career because no one cares about your career as much as you do. It would also be to ask questions. Often times people are taught questions are bad and new Airmen are too scared to ask them. One of the greatest things I have ever done is ask questions, because it gives you a greater understanding of what’s going on and you know why things are done a certain way.

 

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

My goal currently, as far as the Air Force, is to graduate with my CCAF this year.

 

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

I would say Jamaica was the most interesting just because of everyone’s upbeat attitude. They also don’t place as much emphasis on money.

 

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

I would want to meet Kobe Bryant because he has always had a winning attitude and a lot of perseverance. It would be interesting to see what drives a person like that.