Liberty Spotlight: Senior Airman Aguilera

  • Published
  • By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


Name and Rank: Senior Airman Antonio Aguilera

Unit: 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Duty Title: Bioenvironmental Engineering Technician

Time in Service: 3 years, 2 months

Time at RAF Lakenheath: 1 year, 4 months

Hometown: Murrieta, Calif.

Hobbies: Drawing, traveling, reading, cooking and baking

Core Value Portrayed: Excellence In All We Do

How does the individual portray this core value?
Aguilera was submitted for a Liberty Spotlight by Staff Sgt. Dylan Jones, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering team lead.  According to Jones, Aguilera is dedicated to the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing. He displays the core value of Excellence in All We Do by routinely embracing the Unites States Air Forces in Europe mottos of 'Forward, Ready, Now,' 'Every Dollar Counts' and 'Step Up, Step In.' As a bioenvironmental engineering technician, his commitment to 'Forward, Ready,' Now is evident in the fact that he often comes in early and stays late to ensure that the Airmen of the Liberty Wing are protected by identifying and eliminating potential health hazards.  Additionally, he actively supported the 'Every Dollar Counts' campaign by attending the RAF Lakenheath Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century course to obtain his Green Belt certification.  The skills he learned enabled him to save 2,000 hours per year for the gas mask fit test program, by crafting an efficient tracking system which qualified more than 3,000 warrior Airmen in the tri-base area to deploy at a moment's notice.  Lastly, Aguilera supported the 'Step Up, Step In' campaign by participating in multiple programs across base including the Lakenheath Liberty Pride Alliance.  As secretary and founding member of this organization, he directly ensures Airmen of all orientations have a voice and that diversity is celebrated. 

Why did you join the Air Force?
Family tradition was my motivation to join the Air Force.  My father, sister and both my brothers serve in the military. Additionally, I joined because of the vast amount of opportunities that were presented to me by the Air Force.

How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing?
Being a part of the bioenvironmental engineering flight helps the 48th Fighter Wing by protecting personnel from occupational hazards that include prevention of any unnecessary exposure to noise, chemicals, ionizing radiation and ergonomic stresses. Part of my mission is to also provide gas masks and industrial quantitative fit tests to the appropriate personnel.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Customer service is my favorite part. I get to meet everybody and see and learn about all the other jobs on base.

What drives you as an Airman?
Seeing the work that is being done in my work center and how it is directly helping the 48th Fighter Wing drives me to keep moving forward as an Airman.

 What skills do you possess that set you apart from others? 
I possess the skills of self-motivation and being able to push myself to be a better Airman than the day before.

What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe, or where would you like to travel to?
Malta was my favorite place so far. The island was absolutely beautiful and the food was incredible.