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Chief earns AFRC civilian manager award

  • Published
  • By SrA Jonathan Jones
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
He has a personal drive to do the best he can for the unit and the mission. 

Through his leadership and dedication, his work produces nothing but the best. Acting as a facilitator, his goal is to train and prepare others to continue the tradition of excellence at Grissom Air Reserve Base. 

Characteristics such as these contributed to Chief Master Sgt. David Sward receiving The Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award from the Air Force Reserve Command in the category of civilian manager. 

Chief Sward is the superintendent of the 434th Maintenance Squadron. With 27 years of his 32 years spent here, he received the award for numerous accomplishments and contributions to the success of the 434th MXS during the period of Oct. 01, 2004 through Sept. 30, 2005. 

“The feedback I got back about the chief from everybody is he deserves it because his reputation is well known throughout the command by a lot of the senior people all the way up to the AFRC,” said Lt. Col. Brandes, the commander of the 434th MXS. 

According to Chief Sward, after receiving the award he felt it affirmed the confidence his supervisor has in him on a daily basis. In addition, he realized his contributions had a positive impact on the daily operations of the unit. 

“None of us hopefully do this for any particular recognition, but because of a personal drive and dedication to do the best we can for the unit,” he said. “So, you don’t think about those kinds of things until you’re recognized and then it means so much because you have a chance to step back and appreciate the fact that somebody does notice and takes time to recognize your efforts.” 

While Sward may sound modest about receiving the award, his accomplishments parallel the type of leader and dedication he brings to the table. 

His accomplishments include: direction of aircraft refurbishment, resulting in setting the standard throughout the KC-135R fleet; ensured compliance with personnel, maintenance, security and safety requirements through extensive research; exceptional direction over the 434th MXS and its efforts to refurbish an interactive KC-135R flight deck and boom pod display used for recruiting; and his aggressive direction in contributing to a 97.8% maintenance rate, which resulted in the 434th MXS receiving the AFRC Maintenance Effective Award, Colonel Brandes said. 

Through proper training of all personnel and increased responsibilities, Chief Sward believes he is preparing airmen and non-commissioned officers to fill his position someday. 

“The greatest tribute of all is to walk away with minimal disruption in the operation of the organization and that’s only possible if those folks have been given the opportunity and have learned what they need to know to do the job when the time comes,” he added.
It is his vision through dedication and leadership which results in a finished product that sets the standard at a level of success and why he received the award, Colonel Brandes said. 

“It’s a natural thing that he should be the best civilian maintenance manager in the entire command. It’s like ‘that’s David Sward’ he’s that well known for being that good,” Colonel Brandes concluded.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Douglas Hays
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Josh Weaver
Public affairs operations chief

Master Sgt. Josh Weaver
NCOIC of public affairs

Master Sgt. Rachel Barton
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Alexis Morris
Staff writer

Airman 1st Class Elise Faurote
Staff writer