Senior Airman Akshay Botre

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Senior Airman Akshay Botre, 1st Special Operations Comptroller Squadron financial analysis journeyman was selected for this week's spotlight.

Name: Senior Airman Akshay Botre

Unit: 1st Special Operations Comptroller Squadron

Duty Title: Financial Analysis Journeyman

Hometown: Born and raised in India; enlisted at Tampa, FL.

Date Entered the Air Force: 8 Sept 2008

Hobbies: Trekking at the foothills of Himalayas, traveling, reading on international affairs, and running.

Why did you join the Air Force?
To have a disciplined way of life, emphasis on further education, and to be used for my language and cultural background by the world's best air force.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
Personnel in our specialty are the eyes and ears of the commander on all matters that are financial. Lawful use of public money, and addressing to members and employees pay issues is an important aspect of an overall mission accomplishment. We strive to make sure that the financial part of mission accomplishment is taken care of.

If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for one day,
how would you change the Air Force?
I would devise a merit system based on an Airman's performance, discipline and education level. To let Airmen with over a period of two years in service a chance to move out of the unaccompanied government housing (dormitories) before the normal eligibility date.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The mission; special operations is the future, and I am motivated everyday to be a part of it.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
The quality of life, as well, as an opportunity to further improve. Self-improvement is given a very high importance in Air Force as compared to other services. There is excellent tuition assistance, resources provided for free to learn new languages and cultures, and world class fitness centers.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air
Force?
I did my research before joining the Air Force, and I have not encountered any significant negative surprise.

What motivates you at work?
First, being a part of the AFSOC. Second, giving my best at any responsibility - given or undertaken - which was instilled into me while growing up.

Who are your heroes/role models?
Heroes for me are those extraordinary individuals whom I can only wish to completely emulate. My role models are my co-workers who lead by example in their own way, everyday.

Advice to others?
Visit a third world country for at least a month whenever possible is a must. It will make you greatly appreciate the life you already have, and help strengthen the will to protect it.