Afghanistan vet named Grissom NCO of the Year

Published March 28, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Embodying the Airman's Creed, one of Grissom's Operation Enduring Freedom veterans was named the 434th Air Refueling Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2011.

Tech. Sgt. Travis Stephens, a 434th Security Forces fire team leader, was awarded this honor based on his leadership and performance both at home and during war, along with his commitment to self-improvement and his community.

"I am an American Airman. I am a warrior. I have answered my nation's call..."

Answering his nation's call, Stephens voluntarily deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, where he first served as a patrolman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and was later handpicked to be the NCO in charge of security forces logistics.

"I volunteered because I wanted to do the job I was trained to do," explained Stephens. "I'm not Rambo, but I like doing my job, and I felt like I was playing my part."

In his logistics role alone, Stephens managed over $15.5 million of mission-critical equipment and improved vehicle readiness from 30 percent to over 80 percent.

"Where I'm from you get the job done," said the former Army Soldier who joined the Air Force Reserve in 2007 after a 10-year break in service. "I was able to use my Army experience to work with the guys from the 10th Mountain Division to get our stuff fixed.

"I'd help them out and they'd help me out; it's a symbiotic relationship," he elaborated. "I felt at home dealing with the Army and getting stuff done; I loved it, man, I loved it."

And, getting those vehicles back in running order was extremely important to the unit's mission effectiveness, a point proven by his award of a Joint Service Commendation Medal.

"I am an American Airman. My mission is to fly, fight, and win. I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor..."

While his role as the logistics NCOIC was what Stephens referred to as one of his greatest successes while deployed, he initially distinguished himself by facing danger head-on as a security forces patrolman, a job he said he loved doing.

"I love getting down and dirty, and this wasn't a typical Air Force security forces deployment where you sit in a tower or guard a gate," he explained. "This was actual law enforcement where we got to be police officers."

On top of his normal law enforcement patrol duties, the Phoenix Raven qualified Airman also responded to seven rocket attacks, two unexploded ordnance events and two perimeter probes by enemy forces.

"I am an American Airman. Guardian of freedom and justice, my nation's sword and shield, its sentry and avenger. I defend my Country with my life..."

According to his nomination package, Stephens's actions helped safeguard over 30,000 NATO troops, 5,000 of which he was directly responsible for evacuating during an indirect fire attack that left one dead and 18 wounded.

"I'm not afraid to put my neck on the line when it comes to protecting someone, just like every other security forces member on our deployment" he said.

The Grissom NCO was also responsible for securing and investigating a base perimeter breach in which it was determined U.S. supplies were being stolen by terrorist forces.

Stephens also discovered three unsecured 240B machine guns and 8,000 rounds of ammunition, and was able to secure them before they could fall into enemy hands.

"I am an American Airman. Wingman, leader, warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind..."

Wanting to always be prepared and capable of helping a fellow warrior, Stephens successfully completed the U.S. Army combat lifesavers course and also was certified as a self-aid and buddy care instructor for the Air Force. He is now responsible for training over 150 security forces Airmen at Grissom with these invaluable lifesaving skills

"I will never falter, and I will not fail."

With his many war-time accomplishments, it should come as no shock that the Grissom NCO is committed to improving himself and his community.

Described in his package as a "selfless volunteer," Stephens served both his U.S. and deployed communities.

At home, he was an assistant coach for a Hoke County High School, N.C., girls golf team, assisted in a church donation drive and was an active member for his local Veterans of Foreign Wars post where he volunteered in the community and assisted disabled veterans. Stephens took his community involvement with him when he deployed and volunteered at the Kandahar Airfield USO as well.

On top of all the above Stephens remained focused on bettering himself as he simultaneously pursued a bachelor's degree and Community College of the Air Force associate's degree.

Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, the security forces NCO said he shies away from the spotlight, although he will speak his mind when it comes to the military and leadership.

"I think there are many people deserving of that award, but it's nice to get noticed," said Stephens. "I don't think I'm anything exceptional; I just do my job the best way I know how."

And doing the job as an NCO is something he said he takes seriously.

"It's your job as an NCO to conduct yourself as such, so your troops can look up to you and learn from you," he elaborated. "You learn from your troops, and they learn from you."

In the end, Stephens said he would not have been able to accomplish anything without the love and support of his family.

"They mean the world to me -- I don't party, I don't drink, I don't run around, and when I'm not working, I'm with my wife and children," he said. "It makes it easy, but it makes it the hardest thing in the world; being away from my children destroys me, but I do what I do because it's for them."

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and Aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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The Airman's Creed

I am an American Airman.
I am a warrior.
I have answered my nation's call.

I am an American Airman.
My mission is to fly, fight, and win.
I am faithful to a proud heritage,
A tradition of honor,
And a legacy of valor.

I am an American Airman.
Guardian of freedom and justice,
My nation's sword and shield,
Its sentry and avenger.
I defend my country with my life.

I am an American Airman.
Wingman, leader, warrior.
I will never leave an Airman behind,
I will never falter,
And I will not fail.

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Security forces Airman named NCO of the Year

Afghanistan vet named Grissom NCO of the Year

Public Affairs Staff