22nd SFS Airman earns spotlight performer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jenna K. Caldwell
  • 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 Colton Bess, 22nd Security Forces Squadron police services journeyman, received the spotlight performer for the week of Oct. 3-7.

Bess coordinates all military community relation functions involving security forces and civilian police agencies statewide. He operates training for controlled area and security awareness for three wings, supporting 15,000 Department of Defense personnel.  He administrates the Intoxilyzer 8000 program, which conducts training, weekly tests and semi-annual proficiency certifications. He is also the wing customs and agriculture program coordinator, who schedules training and compiles and tracks monthly reports of inspections. 

“Senior Airman Bess is a perfect example of the commander’s intent of ‘develop the next generation of leaders,’ by managing the Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony,” said Maj. John Farmer, 22nd SFS commander. “Bess coordinated with first responders from McConnell Air Force Base along with fire, emergency medical services and law enforcement from surrounding communities for the formations and displays [of the event]. His dedication in memorializing first responders resulted in being lauded by local civic leaders, the mayor of Derby and 22nd Air Refueling Wing leadership.”    

Bess, an Olpe, Kansas native, joined the Air Force in November 2010 and arrived at McConnell in April 2015. He is joined here by his wife Bailey and son Levi. His hobbies include hunting and fishing.

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

The most positive influence in my life would be my family as a whole. Through all the good and bad times, they have stayed by my side and motivated me to continue to keep doing great things.

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

Learn your job and do it to the best of your ability and continue to do so when times are hard.

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

One goal I would like to accomplish is to finish my CCAF so I can move on to working on a degree.

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

The most interesting place I have traveled to is Ireland, because of the scenery and the history.

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

I would like to meet John Wayne, because he is one of my idols in history.