366th FW names its Warriors of the Week

Published March 25, 2008

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Officials with the 366th Fighter Wing support staff recently named the following people as their Warriors of the Week.

Rev. (Lt. Col. retired) Jim Sands

Unit and duty title: 366th FW auxiliary chaplain

Time in Air Force: 20 years

Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base: Eight years

Hometown: Boulder Creek, Calif.

Hobbies: Wood carving, making wooden block Christmas cards, playing the organ and trumpet in orchestras, bands and at church

What service does Chaplain Sands provide to the Gunfighters? He is an auxiliary chaplain who provides counseling for Gunfighters and serves as an informal mentor to the chapel staff. He also is a volunteer organist for the traditional protestant service and assists the Protestant Men of the Chapel program.

Most memorable Air Force moment? "In 1981, as a captain, I was selected to teach at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. I taught Outdoor Adventure Program skills and how to begin an Army OAP program to senior recreational mangers, cadets and employed recreation specialists. It was because of this, I later became the keynote speaker at the National Parks and Recreation Association Convention in Kansas City, Mo., where I was asked to speak on the high adventure needs of young adults before 5,000 convention attendees."

Interesting personal fact: "At every one of the Air Force bases I've been assigned to, they all had downhill ski slopes within a one hour driving distance. On my dream sheet for future assignments I never ask for a specific location, I only ask for a base close to snow. I always got my wish."

Why does Chaplain Sands deserve to be a warrior of the week? "Chaplain Sands has been instrumental to the chapel maintaining its mission capability by providing chaplain support during high operations tempo and frequent staff deployments. The depth and breadth of the experience he brings to our staff is an incredible force multiplier for us and a tremendous asset to the Gunfighters in the 366th FW."

-- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Victor Toney,
Wing Chaplain

Senior Airman Aimee Bonillo

Unit and duty title: 366th FW Chaplain assistant

Time in Air Force: Four years, four months

Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base: Four years

Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.

Hobbies: Playing volleyball and playing with my dogs

What service does Airman Bonillo provide to the Gunfighters? She provides spiritual care and unit ministry support to Gunfighters.

Most memorable Air Force moment? "During a TDY to Tyndall AFB, Fla., I heard about crew chiefs doing marshalling dances. I hadn't seen it yet and asked if I could marshal in an aircraft. I was given the go ahead and did my funny dance while bringing in a jet. Afterward my lieutenant told me that he needed to see me and my supervisor in his office. As we walked into the lieutenant's office, I noticed the expeditors and the squadron first sergeant waiting for us. The lieutenant began yelling about lack of professionalism and that I was to receive paperwork. He said that until the paperwork was completed, he would have to let me know that I had made senior airman below the zone. He had to tell me a second time before I realized that I wasn't really in trouble."

Interesting personal fact: "Before I had braces, I looked like a shark. I practically had a new row of teeth every three weeks. I had braces for over four and a half years."

Why does Airman Bonillo deserve to be a warrior of the week? "If it was in my power, I would clone Airman Bonillo's attitude and implant it in every Airman in the Air Force. Her attitude is always positive, her work ethic is impeccable and her eagerness to learn is unmatched."

-- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Victor Toney,
Wing Chaplain

Warrior of the Week

Warrior of the Week

366th FW names its Warriors of the Week

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