Aircraft structural maintenance journeyman epitomizes 'Excellence in All We Do' Published Jan. 14, 2011 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Senior Airman Kevin Neal Unit: 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Duty Title: Aircraft structural maintenance journeyman Time in Service: 6 years Time at Lakenheath: 1 year, 6 months Hometown: Rio Linda, Calif. Hobbies: Golf, bowling, volunteering and socializing Core Value Portrayed: Excellence in All We Do How does the individual portray that core value? Airman Neal displays "Excellence in All We Do" by taking pride in his work and never backing down from any challenge. Airman Neal was hand-picked to lead the structural maintenance flightline maintenance response team. He directly performed more than 200 routine and alert airframe repair actions and coordinated the maintenance efforts of two other work centers, in direct support of the 2010 Operational Readiness Inspection. His attention to detail and strong work ethic was vital to the 48th Fighter Wing receiving an "Outstanding" rating during the ORI; the first outstanding rating awarded in USAFE in 24 years. Airman Neal was unanimously elected as the president of the Airman Committed to Excellence organization. His dedication to helping his fellow Airmen has been proven time and time again; he was responsible for coordinating the first summer picnic and holiday party for more than 2,000 Airmen on RAF Lakenheath. His selfless dedication has boosted the morale for all Airmen who call RAF Lakenheath home. His hard work and dedication to excellence is a valuable asset in today's Air Force. We are very proud to have him as part of the 48th EMS fabrication flight. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? It is all about the family. One thing I have found so far in my career is that there is an endless supply of good people around who want nothing but the best for you. This is something I have come to cherish, and some days I don't know where I would be without my Air Force family. What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? The Air Force Achievement Medal I received for being a member of the Little Rock Air Force Base honor guard. The most rewarding feeling was the gratitude expressed from the families as I performed in their honor. What are your personal and/or professional goals? I want to earn my bachelor's degree and become a first sergeant. I have nothing but respect for first sergeants. Every first sergeant I have had in my career has done nothing but help me along the way. I would love the chance to make a difference in another Airman's life. What is your favorite part of your job? The sense of accomplishment I feel when I complete a major repair. After I'm done, I reflect and realize that the repair just saved a multi-million dollar aircraft. I also enjoy traveling and meeting people from all the different places I have visited. As I change stations throughout my career, I look forward to the constant turnaround of personnel, each base will bring a whole new group of people from all different walks of life.