|
Tech. Sgt. Kyle Wilson, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron
aerospace ground equipment support NCO in charge, has been awarded
as one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year and
attributes his success to his rigorous fitness routine and family.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude when I found
out I was selected for this award,” Wilson said. “You don’t wake up
every day and think you will have an opportunity as great as this.”
|
July 25, 2017 - Tech. Sgt. Kyle Wilson, 56th Equipment Maintenance
Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment support NCO in charge at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Wilson was named one of
the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year out of
approximately 290,000 eligible enlisted total force Airmen. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st
Class Caleb Worpel)
|
The Florida native is approaching his ten year
anniversary in his Air Force career. From a command chief
executive to an Airmen Leadership School instructor, Wilson
explains he has utilized every opportunity the Air Force has
brought his way.
“I have always tried to surround
myself with people who push me to change, become better and
step outside of my comfort zone,” Wilson explained. “My
mentors and leaders who presented me with opportunities are
without a doubt part of the reason why I have been selected
for this award.”
Wilson’s
contributions to the Air Force chief of staff’s second focus
area of strengthening joint leaders and teams was a pivotal
reason for his selection. During his four years at Ramstein
Air Base, Germany, Wilson was an ALS instructor and found
innovative ways to not only train Airmen, but also
incorporate U.S. Army Soldiers into enlisted professional
military education programs. Wilson also helped advise and
build the first NCO course for the International European
Air Force Academy, among many other accomplishments.
On June 30th - just six days prior to his scheduled
arrival to Luke Air Force Base - Wilson received a phone
call notifying him that he had won the award. He was working
out in the gym when Brig. Gen. Richard Moore, 86th Airlift
Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Bennett, 86th
Airlift Wing Command Chief, called to notify him.
“There wasn’t a better place to learn that I had won the
award than the gym,” said Wilson. “I was overcome with
emotion. I had to take a moment and reflect. It was an
amazing feeling.”
Wilson has returned to his original
career field in AGE at Luke.
“Stepping into a new
role here is exciting,” explained Wilson. “There is
opportunity to meet, teach and learn from a whole new group
of people. I am thrilled to be a part of building the future
of Airpower within the F-35A Lightning II program and I am
driven to keep pushing our team forward to enhance the
future success of Luke.”
Wilson explains that a
consistent fitness routine is what keeps him grounded and
focused to be the best Airman possible.
“Working-out
allows me to step away from my daily life and put myself
into a different mind space,” said Wilson. “I like to be up
early and get a start to my day before most people even open
their eyes. I can burn off any stress I might be carrying
with me before the day starts allowing me to better focus
myself at work to get the job done. It keeps me healthy,
physically and mentally.”
Wilson’s wife, Master Sgt.
Nalani Wilson, 56th Medical Support Squadron logistics
flight chief, has played a vital role in supporting Wilson
through his career. They share a passion for working out and
contributing to Air Force culture.
Along with his
step-daughter Aziya, son Cameron and daughter Kylie, Wilson
explains that together with fitness, his family is a major
contributor to his success.
“I actually met my wife
doing my favorite thing – working out in the gym,” said
Wilson. “She is a huge supporter in my life and our
children’s. She has been there for all of us during every
step we have taken forward in our lives. Family always comes
first and they motivate me to become better every day.”
Approximately 290,000 enlisted total force Airmen were
eligible to become an Outstanding Airman of the Year.
Entries are selected from a board formed of command chief
master sergeants from each major command and reviewed by the
Air Force chief of staff.
The 12 Airmen are
scheduled to attend a week long Air Force Association
convention in Washington, D.C. this September. They will
have a banquet held in their honor, have opportunities to
meet and learn from senior leadership, will earn the
Outstanding Airman badge and will also be serving on the AFA
enlisted council for one year.
“Speaking positively
on behalf of the Air Force is something I regularly do,”
Wilson said. “This gives me the opportunity to take it to a
larger scale and hopefully improve the lives of Airmen
across the force.”
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caleb Worpel
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
Comment on this article |
