Crosstrainee shines in role with 22nd

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Geneva Croxton
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When Tech. Sgt. Joshua Willim enlisted in the Air Force as an electrician in civil engineering, he was not sure what his future would be. He knew that the Air Force was a good fit for him and that he was interested in opportunities to travel.

Fast forward 13 years later, and you will find Willim serving as the loadmaster flight chief, manager of 74 loadmasters, and the 22nd Airlift Squadron noncommissioned officer of the year. 

Hand-picked for the duty based off of his work ethic and integrity, which he had proven to his superiors, Willim was given the position to be a leader in the squadron.

Though he enjoyed civil engineering, Willim was curious about other opportunities in the Air Force.

"I never thought I would be a loadmaster," said Willim. "As I spent more time in the Air Force, I learned a little more about the position and took the opportunity when it presented itself."

Duties for Willim do not end at loadmaster in his role as the loadmaster flight chief, which is also a leadership position. 
  
"One of the things so unique about any leadership position is that you have to find that balance and I think it takes practice," Willim said. "You aren't just good at it from the time you start." Willim said. Balancing leadership while trying to fly missions and home life can be tough. We have the Non-commissioned Officer Academy which is great for getting you in that mindset, but leadership is also something that you have to work to achieve.  

Willim gives a great deal of credit to the Airmen he has met through his career which have aided in his success, stressing the importance of mentors.  

"I have plenty of mentors, even my Airmen," Willim said. "They have done great things throughout their career. The list is long and I didn't get this position by myself. It is through hard work and there have been people who have helped me along the way." 

The mentors Willim had were beneficial, as they provided encouragement when new positions opened up in the Air Force.   

"I would absolutely recommend that our Airmen chase their dreams when these opportunities come around," said Willim. "As a leader and a mentor it is important that any opportunity that is out there which they have aspirations or dreams to pursue, whether in or out of the Air Force, I am all about helping them.   

Willim recently won the squadron NCO of the year award, exceeding the expectations that were set before him. He looked at opportunities his mentor presented him with as challenges, which helped push him to step outside of his comfort zone, gaining experience.

Willim volunteers with Mission Solano, which provides basic necessities to homeless members of the community, and Standup Sacramento and organization focused on keeping the public school system strong. 

"I try to do things which I enjoy, not just ones that help my award package out or my EPR bullets," Willim said. "Helping out with things that would touch people, and getting to help out homeless people or underprivileged youth in our communities," said Willim. "The kids that work there and the families, as well as those who are in bad situations and are trying to make themselves better. I really enjoy that kind of stuff." 

Willim encourages his Airmen to focus on the future. 

"My advice to the four year Airman would be to always have a plan, whether it is a plan to stay in the Air Force or get out of the Air Force," said Willim. "If you aren't looking ahead, and looking to try and better yourself in some way, then you are planning to fail."