ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Get to know the Airman of the Month for August, Senior Airman Joshua Reyes, 97th Air Mobility Wing Chapel Office religious affairs airman from Altus Air Force Base.
Beyond your technical expertise, what personal quality or strength do you believe contributes most to your effectiveness and reliability in your unit?
The personal quality or strength that most helps my effectiveness and reliability is my ability to stay positive and maintain a bright outlook, no matter what. That mindset is rooted in my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, which keeps me grounded and drives me to pursue excellence in everything I do.
How do you stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re always prepared to excel, regardless of the challenges that may arise?
I find the best way to go above and beyond and stay ready for any curveball is to remain calm and organized. I try to be ready for change, no matter what, in both my professional and personal life. That approach is rooted in my faith that, no matter what happens, I can trust that God will take care of me.
What specific steps do you take in your role to ensure you and your team are always prepared to execute the mission, even on short notice?
To make sure my team and I are always ready, even on short notice, I focus on maintaining streamlined communication. Whether something is planned weeks in advance or comes as a short-notice invocation, our communication from me all the way up to the wing chaplain keeps us on the same page and prepared for what we need to do.
How does your work at Altus directly or indirectly contribute to maintaining the Air Force’s lethality on the global stage?
My work at the chapel impacts the Air Force by helping forge a spirit of resiliency in Airmen and their families. The chapel is not just a place for religion; it is a place where, as a religious affairs Airman, I can help people navigate tough situations they are facing. The outcome is an Airman who is fit to fight and able to continue their hard work in their own job, helping the Air Force Fly, Fight, Win.
What piece of advice would you give to a fellow Airman who is striving to embody the same level of excellence and dedication that earned you this recognition?
A piece of advice I would give another Airman is: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Take on additional duties with pride. Don’t think of it as someone just giving you a tasker; think of it as, “I get to do this.” When you do, try your best and give 110 percent in everything you do, both in your professional and personal life.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the individual and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of War, Department of the Air Force, or the U.S. Government.