Program monitor epitomizes 'Service before Self' Published Dec. 9, 2010 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKEANHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. Rafael Santos-Montanez Unit: 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Duty Title: Fabrication flight training and program monitor Time in Service: 12 years Time at Lakenheath: 6 years Hometown: Bayamon, Puerto Rico Hobbies: Snowboarding, skydiving, scuba diving and travelling. Core Value Portrayed: Service before Self How does the individual portray that core value? Sergeant Santos-Montanez displayed service before self by volunteering for overtime to restructure the Fabrication Flight training program. His program proved so successful that it was implemented squadron-wide. He also implemented a 90-day versus a 30-day outlook which reduced overdue training by 50 percent. He also designed and implemented an electronic database for tracking career development course upgrade training; this enabled 27 on-time upgrades and increased the average test score from 81 to 87 percent with zero fails. He also revamped the Flight's lock out tag out program, he implemented visual aids into the training and into the program; the program was identified as the "Best in USAFE" by the USAFE Safety Inspection Team and spotlighted on the Air Force Network. He was hand-selected to be the 48th Maintenance Group cargo yard supervisor. He coordinated with the unit deployment monitors, inspected, and directed the positioning of more than 400 pieces of equipment. Sergeant Santos Montanez's additional hours and selfless efforts directly contributed to the 48th Fighter Wing "Outstanding" Operational Readiness Inspection rating. Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? The United States Air Force has allowed me to serve a cause greater than myself by promoting democracy to those abroad while continuing to provide freedom to the United States of America. It has allowed me to experience new cultures while exploring the world. Being an Airman makes my parents proud and provides and better life for my family and me. What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? Thus far, my greatest accomplishment during my career has been, with the help of my co-workers and tutoring, becoming completely fluent in the English language. What are your personal and/or professional goals? Personally, I would like to take each day as it comes and to make sure that I am always moving forward with a positive attitude. Professionally, I aspire to obtain the rank of chief master sergeant and utilize the skills and education the Air Force has provided to contribute in a positive way to help others. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of the job is experiencing each day as it comes, because each day provides a new adventure which allows you to accomplish small goals. I also thoroughly enjoy training younger Airmen and watch as their confidence grows. To know I had a small impact on one's life and helped contribute to their success is very rewarding.