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Airmen of the U.S. Air Force do their duties selflessly without looking for praise, a quality instilled in them by the Air Force Core Value: Service-Before-Self. Their good work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated, and they have numerous ways to be recognized for outstanding performance.
Recently, an Airman had the opportunity to be shadowed by the 325th Fighter Wing vice commander.
Airman 1st Class Martin Conboy, 325th Maintenance Squadron low observable technician, was selected among his peers as an exemplar within his unit and career field. After his leadership put forth a package, he was chosen to show Col. Jefferson G. Hawkins, 325th FW vice commander, a day in the life of a low observable technician Aug. 3, 2018.
Within his position, Conboy performs F-22 Low Observable coating repairs and restorations. He removes and applies radar absorbent materials using mechanical and pneumatic methods. Additionally, he restores and repairs stealth materials on aircraft panels and doors. Furthermore, he identifies and repairs corrosion damages, replaces hardware, fasteners and structural tubing, culminating in completing outer mold evaluations after aircraft sorties and annotating new damages into the Signature Assessment System.
“Airman 1st Class Martin Conboy is my recommendation for the [Airman]’s Shadow Program,” said Master Sgt. Chris L. Kennedy, 325th MXS low observable section chief, touted in a nomination package. “He is a true go-getter who is always looking for ways to improve the mission and puts safety first while performing low observable maintenance.”
His nomination package further explained that in September 2017, he deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve where he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal. He showed involvement in the community by volunteering 112 hours to the Parker Fire Department as well as Pine Log State Forest. His attention to detail and commitment to learning has led to him to receive a 92 percent on his Career Development Course Test along with completing eight courses toward an aeronautics degree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
These reasons and others were the driving force behind Conboy receiving and winning his nomination. Even with all the accolades and achievements, he remains humble.
“I don’t like talking myself up, but I did receive Airman Below the Zone, and I guess I exemplify the whole Airman concept,” Conboy explained. “I volunteer, take college classes and still do good work. I try my best to have a good attitude and be happy. If I have to be here for 40 hours a week, I might as well make the most of it. Attitudes are contagious in the workplace.”
The day started with Conboy greeting the vice commander, ensuring he had his tools for the day, and beginning his rounds.
“I showed him how to install domed nut plates in the fuel tank of an F-22 Raptor,” Conboy recalled. “I also showed him how to properly install a latch on a gun safing door, which involves removing and installing eddie bolts. An eddie bolt is a commonly used piece of hardware on the F-22. I also showed him how the rivet truck operates and the kind of support I bring the Aircraft Maintenance Units and the mission. He received an insight on common tools and hardware used every day in the LO shop.”
The Tyndall Airman Shadow Program not only highlights the outstanding work Airmen do, but also familiarize them with leadership and tap into who they are as a person.
“I was born in Johnson City, New York, but grew up in Montrose, Pennsylvania,” Conboy said. “Super- small town, about 45 minutes from Scranton, which is where [the television show] The Office was based. I graduated in 2016 from Montrose Area High School with approximately 120 people in my class.
“I've been in the Air Force for one year and 10 months,” he continued. “I decided to join because I wanted to travel, and didn’t want to pay for it. It seemed like a great opportunity to see and do great things and I have never regretted joining.”
In addition to his hard work and dedication to his craft, Conboy also has a road map for future successes to include: finishing his Community College of the Air Force degree in his career field, completing his application to the Air Force Academy to commission, with the end goal of becoming a pilot.
“If you don't set and chase goals, you'll get off track in your career,” he elaborated. “Goals must be organized in a hierarchy so one goal achieved acts as a waypoint to the next goal. This helps keep you on track and focused in order to someday reach your long-term or end goal. Setting goals also keeps you honest and increases the quality of your work.
“You wouldn't want to jeopardize your goals attainability by being lazy or complacent and having poor work quality. You will only regret it,” Conboy punctuated.
After putting out his goals and personal ethos, Conboy closed with advice for Airmen that would also like to shine.
“Volunteer, take classes, ask questions,” he said poignantly. “When they ask for volunteers to do something -- go do it. When you get opportunities to do something cool, or something you don’t normally do -- go do it. Always take pride in your work, and try to make it easier for the next guy even if it wasn't made easy for you. Try to learn and absorb as much information about your job that you can.”
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2018 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 289990 |
| Location: | TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Hometown: | JOHNSON CITY, NY, US |
| Hometown: | MONTROSE, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Eyes on an exemplary low observable technician, by SSgt Solomon Cook, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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