Thursdays with Chief: A1C O'Connor

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shannon Hall
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Each month, a superior-performing Airman is selected by leadership to spend the day with Chief Master Sgt. Eddie Webb, 7th Bomb Wing command chief.

Airman 1st Class Michael O'Connor, 7th BW military justice paralegal, was March's selected Airman. O'Connor spent the day with Webb attending different meetings and a luncheon to help better understand how the higher levels of the chain of command operate.

"I learned a lot from Chief, and spending the day with him makes me want to excel in my career and also make chief one day," O'Connor said.

He was selected by leadership for his exemplary professionalism and work ethic.

"We nominated O'Connor because of his outstanding work ethic and because he is the perfect ambassador for our office," said Maj. Glen Miller, 7th BW deputy staff judge advocate. "With less than two years in the Air Force, he already possesses the professional demeanor and leadership traits of a seasoned non-commissioned officer, and he always solves the thorniest of problems with ease."

O'Connor, a native of Huntington, Massachusetts, joined the Air Force for new life experiences and a guaranteed career.

He has been at Dyess for over a year and spends most of his days in the legal office working on Article 15s for more than 5,000 Airmen. This process includes reviewing the evidence, drafting specifications and punishments, and completing legal reviews for the appeal process.

"I plan on making a career out of the Air Force, hopefully making technical sergeant as soon as I can and continuing my education to become a State Trooper once I retire," O'Connor said.

In his free time, O'Connor likes to be outside as much as possible fishing, off-roading and mountain biking.

"I just like to be outside and doing things rather than just sitting around wasting time playing video games," O'Connor said.

He says joining the Air Force was the best decision he made for himself and is quick to point out the benefits he has already encountered during his career.

"The best part about being in the military is all the different levels of experience that work directly with each other," O'Connor said. "The opportunities you are presented on a daily basis as an Airman could never compare to those that you would do in the civilian life. Joining is the best decision I have made so far in my life."