First sergeant star earns annual award

Published March 12, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Most have seen the brilliance inside a well-cut diamond, but inside this one, there is a star.

Master Sgt. Brian Rude, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, was recently recognized as the 434th Air Refueling Wing First Sergeant of the Year for 2012 for his contributions to his squadron and willingness to go above and beyond to meet his Airmen's needs.

A first sergeant serves as an important link between the commander, enlisted personnel and support agencies, while also ensuring that enlisted Airmen understand the commander's policies, goals and objectives, explained Rude. However, the job responsibilities of a first sergeant go far beyond the working requirements outlined in an Air Force instruction, he added.

"First to arrive; last to leave," said Lt. Col Bryan Runion, 434th LRS commander, as he described some of the leadership attributes that led him to nominate Rude for the award. "Just in the short time I have worked with him I have seen a lot of positive changes in the squadron."

One of those positive changes implemented by the first sergeant was a squadron formation on Saturday mornings of the unit training assemblies, which led to better communication between unit leadership and members.

"We are one of the largest squadrons here at Grissom, and our people are separated across the base and even off base," said Runion. "The formation allows us to disseminate important information to our Airman and recognize their contributions and awards."

"We are all over the base, and getting the people together is important," added Rude. "With the implementation of the morning meeting I see that there is much more unit cohesion, and that is what I have been striving to do."

The first sergeant said that when he initially came to the squadron his primary focus was on the Airman he served and getting them together to build esprit de corps. He did this by creating a squadron booster club that has been responsible for events such as their recent chili cook-off.

"The chili cook-off brought camaraderie to the unit and boosted morale," said Runion. "It helps Airmen build relationships that ultimately lead to longer enlistments and a better work environment."

Rude also believes that it is his responsibility to make new Airmen feel welcome when they come to the unit. To help do this he developed a newcomers meeting that is conducted each UTA.

"The meeting helps lay down ground rules and expectations for the new Airmen, and provides me an opportunity to advise them of my role as a first sergeant," said Rude. "Most important the meeting gives me a chance to get to know the newcomers and a little bit about their background."

One particular expectation that Rude focused on when he became first sergeant was physical fitness. To do this he chose to lead by example as he implemented physical fitness into drill weekends.

"We had several people overdue for their fitness tests when Rude initially came to the unit and now that is rare," said Runion. "Rather than just enforcing the rules, Rude sets an example by staying fit and participating in squadron PT during the drill weekend."

"Physical fitness is a condition of participation and has to be part of your lifestyle," added Rude. "I'll do whatever it takes to help someone with their fitness even if it means pacing them during their run."

Helping people in general has become something that Rude said he loves about his job and enjoys doing. His 22 years of military service, including 12 years of service for the U.S. Army, has help mold Rude to the "first shirt" he is today.

"I try to take all of the good leadership traits that I have learned from all of my prior mentors throughout my military career and implement them in my own style," he explained. "I have seen both bad and good traits from leaders, and I try to use the good ones and eliminate the bad ones."

One of those traits that make Rude an outstanding first sergeant is his working relationship with the squadron when he is off the clock.

"Communication with him (Rude) occurs 24/7 either through email or cell phone, and he always makes time," said Runion. "That is extremely important since we have a large squadron that consists of 90 percent traditional reservists and very few (full-time air reserve technicians),"

Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen 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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First sergeant star earns annual award

First sergeant star earns annual award

Public Affairs Staff