22nd AMDS Airman earns spotlight performer

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 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 Maria Camunez, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician, received the spotlight performer for the week of Sept. 26-30.

Camunez is the deployment medicine section lead. She screens all deployers for location specific medical requirements and ensures they are medically able to deploy before leaving home station. She also runs the travel medicine program, where she educates patients on the recommended medical requirements for overseas travel locations.

“Camunez organized and performed wing-wide, hands-on unit deployment manager training which resulted in a more streamlined, efficient deployment process and saved 10 man-hours per week for the deployment medicine section,” said Lt. Col Daniel Lamothe, 22nd AMDS commander. “In the last month, Camunez processed 120 deployers to include 50 members who were short-notice tasked to various locations around the globe. She is a rock in the public health flight with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic that sets a high standard for her co-workers. She is the epitome of a professional Airman.”

Camunez, a Las Cruces, New Mexico native, joined the Air Force in February 2012 and arrived at McConnell in August 2012. Her hobbies include painting, decorating, baking, cooking and spending time with her daughter.

Who is the most positive influence in your life and why?
The most positive influence in my life is my previous supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Amber Campos. She went above and beyond as a supervisor. She saw the potential within me and really pushed me to achieve it.

If you could give advice to a new Airman, what would it be and why?
Even though it is a core value to put service before self, make sure you are taking care of yourself. The Air Force can be very demanding at times, and the better off you are, the more you can contribute back to the mission.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?
I want to commission to become a dentist.

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled and why do you feel that way?
The most interesting place I have traveled is Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. Although it is the only place I have traveled to outside of the United States and included the harsh experience of being stung by a jellyfish, it reminded me of my childhood and vacationing with my family.

If you had the opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Oprah Winfrey. She is a living example that you can start from the bottom and make your way up to be successful if you just put your mind to it. She started out as an intern and is now a billionaire.