U.S. Air Force Col. Michael J. Jewell, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Melissa M. Robbins, 501st CSW command chief, send holiday greetings to the Pathfinder community at RAF Fairford, England, Dec. 12, 2025. The message thanks Airmen, civilians, and families for their dedication throughout the year and wishes the community a safe and happy holiday season. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)
Members of the 501st Combat Support Wing participate in Problem Identification Training RAF Croughton, England. The Pathfinder Spark program is the 501st Combat Support Wing’s local branch of the Air Force Spark Cell initiative, supported by AFWERX to centralize and foster innovation. (Courtesy photo)
A program at the 501st Combat Support Wing is empowering Airmen to solve workplace challenges and improve their units, using data driven decisions to turn grassroots ideas into funded realities.
The Pathfinder Spark program, led by Nick Underwood, 501st CSW Wing Process Manager and Innovation Lead, provides a framework for active duty and civilian members to develop, pitch, and implement innovative projects. Since May 2023, Underwood has guided the program, which has helped secure over $1.2 million for more than 50 initiatives across the Wing.
"My role is a full-time position, so 100% of my time is dedicated to Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) and Innovation," Underwood said. "This allows me to work every day with Airmen across the...
