Combat Arms instructor displays "Excellence in All We Do" Published May 25, 2012 By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. Michael Willis Unit: 48th Security Forces Squadron Duty Title: Combat Arms instructor Time in Service: 4 years Time at RAF Lakenheath: 2 years Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla. Hobbies: Traveling, baseball and football Core Value Portrayed: "Excellence in All We Do" How does the individual portray that core value? Willis is a recent graduate of the Combat Arms Apprentice Course. Upon arriving at the RAF Feltwell Combat Arms range, the sole firing range for U.S. forces in the U.K., he was very motivated to learn his new job and what it entailed. As a new instructor, he has been given the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory program account and is responsible for ensuring that $48,000 worth of weapons gauges are serviceable and inspection ready. Willis overhauled this program and made it Unit Compliance Inspection ready in less than three weeks. Furthermore, he was issued his 7-Level Career Development Courses that he completed in one month, which was 11 months ahead of schedule. He manages his time between work and family to ensure the mission gets done. I believe he will succeed in every facet of his military career. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? My family has a tradition of serving in the armed forces starting with my grandfather who fought in the Korean War and my father who participated in the Invasion of Panama and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I want to continue this tradition of proudly serving my country and hopefully my children will do the same. What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? I am most proud about testing and learning new things. I was promoted to the rank staff sergeant on my very first attempt. What are your personal and/or professional goals? My goals are to obtain my Community College of the Air Force degree and pursue my bachelor's degree in sports medicine. What is your favorite part of your job? The best part is knowing that every day I teach Airmen how to employ weapons tactics, which will be used in the fight.