LRS Airman conducts Wing ops, named top SNCO

Published Jan. 28, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- A group of musicians assembled is nothing more than just that. But, add a conductor who can reach beyond the notes to pull out emotions and meaning from the very soul of the music, and then an orchestra is born whose symphonic resonance has the power to touch people and change the world.

Though he may not wear a tuxedo and brandish a wand, Senior Master Sgt. Michael "Tim" O'Brien is a masterful conductor in his own right and for that was awarded the title of 434th Air Refueling Wing Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2010.

"I orchestrate the efforts of the logistics plans office and the installation deployment readiness cell, making sure they have what they need and trying to keep the gators from nipping at them," explained Sergeant O'Brien, who is the 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron Logistics Plans superintendant.

According to his award package, he masterfully orchestrated the deployment of 362 personnel and 35 tons for an Air Mobility Command operational readiness inspection; chaired a deployment process working group for 16 squadrons and two joint-service tenant units; and developed a long-range, five-year wing exercise and deployment plan.

And while those accomplishments are towering on their own, perhaps Sergeant O'Brien's greatest achievement came in the midst of the aforementioned ORI as he continued to support real-world deployments during the exercise inspection.

"It was a challenge keeping our real world tempo separate from our exercise tempo," he explained while talking about how he and his team are accustomed to working at an extremely fast pace. "To be able to get as much done as we have to get done, we have to operate and an extremely high tempo.

"It's not fun stuff, but everyone pulls together to get it done," he added.

And, pulling together as a team is part of what Sergeant O'Brien attributes to his success.

"It's my people that work for me and all the other people on the installation that we work with that come together to get the job done," he said.

However, having a successful team is not just something that happens, and that's where the conducting comes into play.

"With his leadership style he's built a strong team that has been able to provide great support to the Wing," said Lt. Col. Bryan Runion, 434th LRS commander. "He's this source of wisdom that people go to; for any type of deployment issue, he is the go to person."

But, it wasn't just his professional accomplishments and accolades which earned him this award. Both his self improvement and community involvement were major factors.

According to his nomination packet, Sergeant O'Brien completed both his bachelor's degree in logistics management as well as the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education course in 2010. He also volunteered as a firefighter for Pipe Creek Township, Ind., and spearheaded eight service projects to assisted disabled American veterans.

"He's a role model as a senior NCO, not only on the military side, but in the community as well," stated Colonel Runion.

When asked what motivated him to do so much both for the military and the community, Sergeant O'Brien explained that his motivation comes from knowing what he is doing impacts the world in a positive way. He then went on to tell stories of how he recently helped orchestrate the movement of several military working dogs and a racecar overseas.

"Knowing what those dogs are going to do for the Army troops, and knowing how that car is going to put a smile on a troop's face, that's rewarding," he explained. "Everything I do is part of the bigger picture; the global impact that we have here at Grissom isn't recognized by many."

And, being a part of that bigger picture is what Sergeant O'Brien said gives him satisfaction and motivation.

"Inside you got to figure out what motivates you and where your self-worth comes from and draw from that," he said. "I don't do anything for an award or achievement, and I don't care if anyone shakes my hand or pats my back; there's a job to be done and I got to do it."

As Sergeant O'Brien continues to conduct the logistic operations of Grissom, his nomination package will now move on to compete at the 4th Air Force level as part of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year program.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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(Editor's note: This is the third in a four-part series featuring the 434th ARW's annual award winners.)

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O'Brien is Senior NCO of the Year

LRS Airman conducts Wing ops, named top SNCO

Public Affairs Staff