Diamond in the rough: Recently deployed first sergeant is 434th ARW's top 'shirt' Published Jan. 24, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- My job is people - Everyone is my business. That is one of the opening lines in the first sergeant creed and one that was exemplified in this year's 434th Air Refueling Wing First Sergeant of the Year. Senior Master Sgt. William Hamilton, 434th Security Forces first sergeant, not only earned this award, but the respect and admiration of the 434th Civil Engineering Squadron Airmen he recently deployed with to Afghanistan. "I can't say enough good about him," said Senior Master Sgt. John Somsel, who was the 577th Expeditionary Prime Beef Squadron troop construction superintendent deployed with Sergeant Hamilton. "He took care of his people...he took care of us and made sure we had what we needed at all levels." But, it almost wasn't Sergeant Hamilton who deployed with the 434th CES troops. Just as the combat engineers were finishing their combat skills training, the first sergeant slotted to go with them was injured, and Sergeant Hamilton was handpicked to go. "He stepped into the roll last minute," explained Sergeant Somsel. "He really had no idea what he was walking into." What sergeant Hamilton did walk into was a U.S. Army ran installation in a combat zone that endured over 45 indirect fire attacks and a situation where several of his Airmen forward deployed to four different forward operating bases outside the wire. Despite the austere conditions and the hazards associated with a combat environment, Sergeant Hamilton was not deterred in performing what he called a dual-hat mission. "There's a fine line between taking care of people and making sure the commander has a combat ready force," he said. "What makes a successful first sergeant is balancing those two hats." And, balance them he did as he went down range several times. "He flew outside the wire on numerous occasions into hostile environments to see our people who were at forward operating bases," said Sergeant Somsel. "He didn't have to, but he'd body armor up, get on a black hawk and go into harm's way to check on his people." Perhaps one of the most defining moments during the first sergeant's deployment came during an attempted base infiltration attack. According to his award package, Sergeant Hamilton quickly orchestrated the movement of 75 personnel to a more secure and hardened structure. "The morning we were attacked, he was out taking headcounts, making sure everyone was accounted for and making sure no one was wounded," recalled Sergeant Somsel. "He was very impressive, very professional, and we were truly lucky to have him." Other notable accomplishments during his deployment included flawlessly coordinating emergency leave for five unit personnel, streamlining the area of responsibility Red Cross notification process and coordinating the flying of more than 150 U.S. flags being flown on combat missions over Afghanistan. Despite his numerous accomplishments, the first sergeant downplayed his selection. "It's a nice personal achievement," he said. "But, I was just doing what the first sergeant position is designed to do, which is taking care of people." When asked if he had any advice for younger Airmen, Sergeant Hamilton said that the key to being successful is realizing what people think of you, what you think of yourself and balancing the two. "Be proud of the uniform you're wearing," he added. "It stands for a lot more than what you realize, and if you stay in long enough you realize what I mean by that." First sergeant's creed I am a first sergeant. My job is people -- Every One is My Business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; their health, morale, discipline, and welfare. I grow in strength by strengthening my people. My job is done in faith; my people build faith. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The unit's members and aircraft routinely deploy around the world in support of Air Force operations. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter. (Editor's note: This is the fourth in a four-part series featuring the 434th ARW's annual award winners.)
