Page 4 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – February 2024

February 2024 News Thunderbolt www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb http://www.luke.af.mil
MLK’s legacy lives on — SrA Daniel Wilson reflects
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By Airman 1st Class KATeLYnn JACKSon
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Reflecting on the 38th observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Airmen all over the world honor the life and impact of the visionary civil rights leader.
While Airmen everywhere feel the weight of his sacrifice and heroism, some more than others connect deeply with mes- sage of equality he spent his life edifying.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Wilson, 56th Fighter Wing Safety occu- pational safety apprentice, is one of the many Airmen that carry on the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy of determination, cour- age, and leadership.
Wilson reflects on the impact that Dr. King’s legacy and heroism has made to his and his family’s life.
Wilson was adopted at birth in a small town outside of Atlanta, Georgia called Decatur in 1998. Today, he reflects on the influence his father, a retired pastor, had on his life.
“He taught me to value peace and em- pathy with others,” said Wilson “This is something I carry with me throughout my life.”
Wilson’s mother equally influenced who he was to become. Born in the 1950’s, she was in the first African American class
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Katelynn Jackson
allowed to go to Decatur High School in Georgia. That might not have been possible without Dr. King’s influence on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“My parents were alive for and very in- volved in the civil rights movement,” said Wilson. “So, I feel Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence to my core.”
Since enlisting in the Air Force in 2019, Wilson has traveled to places and gained experience he wouldn’t have if he hadn’t
LEFT: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Wilson, 56th Fighter Wing Safety occupational safety apprentice, poses for his official portrait, Jan. 9th, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Com- memorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Wilson reflects on what Dr. King’s lega- cy and heroism has meant in his life.
joined. In early 2023, Wilson was granted the opportunity to be included in the presidential detail when Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, visited Luke AFB. Not only did he get the opportunity to meet with her but was also coined by the VP.
In addition to experiencing so much, Wilson also proved himself as an extraor- dinary leader in his career field through his many accomplishments. Wilson plays an essential role in supporting the 56th FW’s mishap prevention program, safeguarding DOD personnel and assets. He led the exe- cution of 93 mishap investigations mitigat- ing mishap rates by 23% and scrutinized 32 squadron safety programs, enabling the completion of 203 inspections resulting in $318,000 in abatement actions.
Outside of his career field, Wilson leads in innovating the culture of the Air Force. Hand-selected as one of five members to represent his branch during an Air Force
See MLK, Page 11
Photo courtesy of MLKonline.net
Statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham, Alabama.
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