Liberty Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Miller Published May 30, 2014 By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Staff Sgt. David Miller Unit: 48th Contracting Squadron Duty Title: Contracting Specialist Time in Service: 5 years Time at RAF Lakenheath: 8 months Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Hobbies: Sports, hiking, camping, traveling, fitness, movies and anything associated with Ohio State athletics! Core Value Portrayed: Excellence in All We Do How does the individual portray that core value? Miller demonstrated Excellence in All We Do as a contracting specialist for the 48th Contracting Squadron shortly after his arrival to the organization. Miller was selected as the sole contracting officer during the largest Israeli Blue Flag exercise to date, executing more than $235,000 in contract actions in support of 175 personnel and 118 NATO sorties. Miller always strives to do his absolute best whether it's at work, helping the community or in his personal life. His excellence has been solidified by his recognition as one of three Blue Flag key performers, his selection as the 48th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year and, his selection as the U.S. Air Forces in Europe representative for the 2014 Ten Outstanding Young American Award. Why did you join the Air Force? I joined the Air Force due to the fact that I had an internal need for something more. I had a realization that there was a greater purpose in life, and I welcomed the opportunity to grow and excel in an environment that was conducive to such virtues as integrity, service and excellence. How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing? We, as contracting specialists, are in a fortunate position to impact the lives of every Airman here at RAF Lakenheath. Our main focus is the timely procurement of goods and services to support every aspect of the 48th Fighter Wing's mission, to include custodial and food services, medical oversight and gym equipment. In addition to everyday acquisitions, we also support exercises to foreign nations. What drives you as an Airman? I'm driven by a constant sense of improvement and purpose. Since basic training, I've been immersed into an environment that demands excellence while promoting ethically sound decision making. We, as Airmen, are examples of what is truly great within today's society. We have been granted a stage to represent the U.S. on an international level and have been tasked to promote and secure the welfare of our great nation while strengthening relationships with other countries. What skills do you possess that set you apart from other Airmen? Personally, it's difficult to find something that separates me from any of the Airmen that we have at the 48th CONS. Each and every individual brings something to the table, and I'm grateful to be a part of the team. I am where I am today because of the support and leadership of my peers. That's something I hope to never forget. What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe, or where would you like to travel to? My wife and I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel all over Europe over this past year. We've seen some amazing places and have met some incredible people who have changed our lives for the better. Throughout this year I've floated in the Dead Sea, celebrated the New Year in Barcelona, snowboarded in the Alps and yelled, "are you not entertained?" in the Roman Colosseum. However, I would have to say that the most meaningful trip I've taken was to Jerusalem, where I had the pleasure of supporting the 492nd Fighter Squadron during Blue Flag. During this trip, I saw things I've only read about in books and heard about in stories. It was a wonderfully-moving experience.