Diamond Sharp airman: FAST and dedicated

Editor’s note: This feature is the thirtieth in a series of Air Commando spotlights at Cannon. The Airmen being highlighted are recent Diamond Sharp award winners. Diamond Sharp is a monthly program where Airmen are recognized by wing leadership and first sergeants for their hard work and achievements.

link U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Ericka Engblom

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Steven Viola, 27th Special Operations Security Forces assistant team leader, poses for a photo at Cannon Air Force Base. Viola was recently recognized as a Diamond Sharp Award winner for the month of August and was highlighted for his hard work and achievements.

Members of the Fly Away Security Team at Cannon Air Force Base are responsible for performing intelligence gathering and briefings for all Advanced Echelon Personnel, which are military members ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Simply put, FAST airmen provide security measures for deployed aircraft as well as train others in security measures during exercise scenarios. Senior Airman Steven Viola, 27th Special Operations Security Forces assistant team leader, strives every day to complete this mission to the best of his ability.

As the assistant team leader of the 27 SOSFS FAST team, he helped to establish team continuity and standard operating procedures for more than 20 core tasks. He continues to achieve 99 percent or above on his physical fitness tests and is in charge of more than $300,000 of personnel and pieces of equipment.

“I love my job,” said Viola, “I never wanted to do anything else.”

Chosen for the Diamond Sharp award because of his stellar work ethic, Viola strives to always achieve the Air Force’s core value of “Excellence in all we do.” He has shown great leadership and can always be counted on to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the job is done right.

When not performing at work, Viola performs in the classroom as he hopes to achieve his Community College of the Air Force degree as well as get his bachelor’s in homeland security. Viola also enjoys working out, playing any sport and cooking.

Being both incredibly motivated and determined has made Viola into an exemplary airman. When asked his advice for others entering his career field, his reply was simple, “Stay motivated, keep on top of your PT, and always do the right thing.”