New 434th CS lieutenant draws on NCO past, earns prestigious award Published July 10, 2011 By Senior Airman Damon Kasberg 434th ARW Public Affairs office GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- In pursuit of excellence one Grissom Airman used his background as a non-commissioned officer not only to excel during Officer Training School, but to also help others. The U. S. Air Force OTS at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is a 12-week program consisting of military instruction and leadership development for college graduates which leads to a commission as a second lieutenant. "My background as a NCO set me apart," said 2nd Lt. Dustin Schimp, 434th Air Refueling Wing operations officer. "I don't allow myself to be satisfied with mediocrity." While attending OTS earlier this year Schimp was assigned as the wing community relations officer, drill leader and flight information officer. As a community relations officer, he organized many volunteer events including working with the Montgomery, Ala., Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity and the "Y". Lieutenant Schimp said he also organized volunteers to clean the 102-year old Lincoln Cemetery in Montgomery, an event which received local media coverage because the historic site had been neglected for so long. To achieve all that he did in an already stressful time period, the lieutenant did have to sacrifice his personal time. "During OTS he was really charismatic and was there for everyone," said 2nd Lt. Taylor Duncan, 50th Space Wing space missile operator, who was Schimp's roommate during OTS. "He was always organizing something and rarely had a Saturday with nothing to do." During Schimp's OTS graduation, he was recognized as Top Hawk in the Goldhawk Squadron and awarded the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. plaque for outstanding community service and the promotion of diversity. "It really makes me feel great to be recognized, but none of it would be possible without the support of my flight," said Schimp. "Remember the core values, if you apply the core values you're in good shape; live a life of Integrity, excellence in all you do and service before self, and you'll standout to everyone." The 434th CS is part of the 434th ARW, which is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
