Unit Intro manager portrays 'Excellence in All We Do'

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. Manny Rodriguez

Unit: 48th Security Forces Squadron

Commander: Lt. Col. Michael Ross

Duty Title: Unit Intro manager

Time in Service: 9 years

Time at Lakenheath: 2 years

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hobbies: Camping, biking and fishing

Core Value Portrayed: 'Excellence in all we do'

How does the individual portray that core value?
Sergeant Rodriguez portrays the core value of 'Excellence in all we do'. He also displays qualities of the other two core values, and everything he accomplishes or is tasked out to do is completed with perfection. He has taken two commander-level programs and turned them into wing benchmark programs. He is one squared-away NCO.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Serving in the Air Force is important to me for many reasons. First, the Air Force has not only benefited me, but my family as well. It has allowed me to raise my family in a safe and positive environment. The Air Force has increased my desire and determination to succeed, and I've realized that the sky is the limit. The fact that I am able to show my children that serving their country is an honorable and praiseworthy duty is incredibly gratifying. Lastly, my wife likes a man in uniform.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
It's hard to pinpoint one specific accomplishment. I am the first member of my family to take college classes and have just finished my associate's degree. Winning the John L. Levitow and Leadership Award in Airmen Leadership School, as well as being awarded the Outstanding staff level NCO of the year are accomplishments I am proud of. I was recently awarded the wing- level Achieving Top Level at Sponsorship award for our unit's sponsorship program. The military has allowed me to see and do things I never thought possible, and I am proud of it all.

What are your personal and career goals?
Education is a key when factoring in my personal and career goals. I have completed my Community College of the Air Force degree and will continue my education using the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative program to complete my bachelor's degree. Eventually, I would like to be able to use my experience from school and from my career field to teach troubled youth.