CMSAF visits with Reserve Citizen Airmen

Staff Sgt. Leslie Smith, 445th Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection journeyman, is coined by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass Oct. 2, 2021, for being an exceptional performer in her unit. Smith is an outstanding performer because she led 57 non-destructive inspections to ensure six aircraft tasked to support Operation Allies Refuge were safe for flight. Her ceaseless efforts directly contributed to the deployment of 116 Airborne troopers, rescue of 120 thousand refugees, and transportation of 351 thousand pounds of cargo. Smith selflessly volunteered for multiple 12 hour shifts to meet the increased operations tempo. She attended the Ultrasonic Inspection and Impedance Plan Analysis course that increased the flight’s advanced composite knowledge by 33 percent. Additionally, she leads the aircraft landing gear wheel inspection program responsible for processing on average 234 wheels assemblies per year. Three Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing were coined for being outstanding performers for their respective units.

Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas Garman, 445th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight superintendent, shows Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass one of the fabricated parts his shop made during one of her stops as part of her visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Oct. 2, 2021.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass held an enlisted call with 445th Airlift Wing Airmen during one of her stops while visiting Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Oct. 2, 2021.

Tech. Sgt. Marcela Itah, 89th Airlift Squadron squadron aviation resource management technician, is coined by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass Oct. 2, 2021, for being an exceptional performer in her unit. In addition to her dedicated service on a daily basis, Itah volunteered for a deployment to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where she was lauded by the 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight commander for outstanding performance and was named “721st Mobility Support Squadron Exceptional Performer of the Month.” Itah was also recently recognized for saving the life of an Ohio Air National Guard Airman who had posted a suicide note on social media. Her quick and decisive action was directly responsible for prompt intervention before the Airman could act on his intentions. Three Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing were coined for being outstanding performers for their respective units.

Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan, 445th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter and assistant chief of training, is coined by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass Oct. 2, 2021, for his role in securing first place in the over-40 age category at the FireFit Europe Championships held in Hannover, Germany June 20, 2021. The multinational competition started with 400 pre-qualification contenders at the beginning of the week. By the final rounds, 120 competitors were still in the running. Sullivan was named the fittest firefighter in his age category, and he placed eighth overall. Following his performance in the 2019 FireFit World Championships in Oshawa, Canada, Sullivan received an invitation to compete in the FireFit Europe Championships, originally scheduled for summer 2020, but postponed due to COVID-19.

Tech. Sgt. Ryan Lucas, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of ground transportation support, is coined by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass Oct. 2, 2021, for being an exceptional performer in his unit. Lucas is an outstanding performer because he conducts himself in a way that complements all of the Air Force Core Values. His attention to detail and willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure all fellow Airmen have the tools and the mentorship they need to succeed. He is also credited for saving the life of a fellow Airman in a potential fatal incident that occurred while he was on duty. Three Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing were coined for being outstanding performers for their respective units.