Laughlin XLer – 2nd Lt. Christian Ocasio, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron

2nd Lt. Christian Ocasio, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron utilities engineer, poses with Col. Mark Doria, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander, and Senior Master Sgt. Shane Maupin, 47th Mission Support Group superintendent, after being presented the XLer of the week award at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 17, 2012. The XLer is a weekly award chosen by wing leadership and given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to Laughlin and their unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. David Tart)

Laughlin XLer - 2nd Lt. Christian Ocasio, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron

Published Oct. 23, 2012
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Job title and unit: 47th Civil Engineer Squadron utilities engineer

Why he XLed: He overhauled the base's energy and water conservation program earning the base best in Air Education and Training Command and a $250,000 quarterly award. He has an amazing work ethic working overnight to perform structural analysis and to rewrite a statement of work package saving $250,000. Coordinated a more than $1 million power pole removal project ensuring there was no mission impact. He executed the base's first $72.9 million private power contract and mitigated the impact of two major power outages.

Hometown: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Family: Juanita Velazquez (mother), Ernesto Ocasio (father), Grace Fernandez (fiancée), Virgen Rios (sister), Genesis Maldonado (niece)

Time at Laughlin: Eight months

Time in military/civil service: Eight years security forces in Puerto Rico Air National Guard, and one year, eight months as an officer

Greatest accomplishment: Being able to complete my civil engineering degree and commission in the Air Force while overcoming economic hardships and constant interruptions due to deployments

Hobbies: Scuba diving

Bad Habit: Office prankster

Favorite movies: Saving Private Ryan, Inception and The Matrix Trilogy

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why: Steven Colbert on a night out because I enjoy his sense of humor and smart comments and it would probably be hilarious seeing him out and about.