Combat Airlifter of the Week: Capt. Austin Merkel Published Sept. 20, 2019 By Airman 1st Class Aaron Irvin 19th Airlift Wing Public affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Name and Rank: Capt. Austin Merkel Unit: 19th Airlift Wing Safety Duty title: Chief of Flight Safety Time in service: 8 years Time at Little Rock: 2 Years Goals: Build experience as an instructor pilot and soon-to-be field grade officer. Hobbies: Spending time with family and outdoors. Air Force Core Value portrayed: Excellence In All We do Why was the individual selected and how do they display the core value? Capt. Merkel exemplifies Excellence as an officer & instructor pilot. As Chief of Flight Safety and acting Wing Chief of Safety (filling a boarded O-5 billet), Merkel has shown great initiative in carrying numerous Safety programs to new heights, most notably hosting 3 AF Safety Center roadshow courses here at LRAFB. He also flies several times a week instructing combat-ready aircrews.