XLer of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Rafael Franjul

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin N. Valmoja
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Tech. Sgt. Rafael Franjul, 47th Flying Training Wing Legal Office NCO in charge, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer of the Week” of Oct. 14, 2019 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

Franjul stepped up in preparation of Laughlin’s Air Force Ball as a committee member, planning the set up and organization of the event. From seating charts to meal choices, he had a hand in honoring an Air Force tradition.

“I thought it went great,” he said. “It was well-planned, it was well-organized, and I’d be a part of next year’s ball too if I got the chance.”

He also secured more than $44,000 in upgrades for his legal team, streamlining processes and updating old, outdated equipment, ultimately freeing up time and manpower.

“Our courtroom is nice here, but we weren’t anywhere near what courtrooms are like on the federal side, or the civil side,” he said. “We took a couple of tours to see what other folks are doing, and when I saw what they had and how far behind we were, I came back started talking to our folks. We came up with some ideas, then my job was to take those ideas and run with them.”

He was also a Wing Staff Agencies facilitator during one of the wing’s resiliency days, making sure Laughlin’s Airmen’s voices and concerns were heard.

While Franjul appreciates the recognition, he was sure to give thanks to his team, whom he said gave him the opportunity to succeed.

“Everything I accomplished was because they either gave me ideas, helped me out or covered for things that I needed to do,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”

For his ability to step up, take care of Laughlin Airmen, and push his team forward with innovation, Tech. Sgt. Rafael Franjul was chosen as the wing’s “XLer of the Week.”