Department of Defense employee wins outstanding award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A Little Rock Air Force Base civilian has won the Outstanding U.S. Air Force Aircrew Flight Equipment Civilian of the Year Award, Category II, and will be presented the award in October at a training review board in San Diego.

David Reeves, 19th Operations Support Squadron training specialist, was recognized through his outstanding achievements from Jan. 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2008.

"I was very pleased [when I found out I had won the award] since only one person in each category will be recognized," he said.

Mr. Reeves was on active duty in the aircrew life support career field from July 1984 to August 2005. After retiring, he began working as a Department of Defense civilian in the same career field in December 2005 to present. In January 2008, the field was changed from ALS to AFE.

As a training specialist, Mr. Reeves uses his 25 years of experience to teach AFE technicians proper equipment maintenance.

"My primary duties deal with training, I help with a wide variety of projects and tasks based on my experience," said Mr. Reeves.

He also teaches aircrew members about emergency equipment care and usage so they can successfully fly their missions.

"I think that most people tend to underestimate the importance of our job until they find themselves in an emergency situation or a combat zone," said Mr. Reeves. "We provide almost everything from smoke [and] fume protection, parachutes, flotation equipment, weapons and even survival radios to get you out of any less than friendly location that an aircrew member may find themselves in."

The purpose of the Outstanding AFE Awards Program is to acknowledge Air Force military and civilian individuals and units for outstanding performance in duty, exceptional contributions to AFE operations and management and enhancements to AFE readiness.

"The award highlights Mr. Reeves' expertise. In fact, this is his third Air Force-level award," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Gast, 19th OSS commander. "He is a true expert in the career field and a great example to both civilians and Airmen in his flight and the 19th OSS."

Mr. Reeves believes that working as a team is important to the success of the Air Force.

"I think the most important part is being able to work with everyone else to get projects completed that benefit the flight, squadron and wing," said Mr. Reeves. "Only one person will be presented a plaque or trophy but it takes everyone in the flight and squadron to make success happen."

Mr. Reeves' accomplishments haven't gone unnoticed by base leaders and they're proud of his achievements.

"It was very rewarding to see that Mr. Reeves' knowledge, skills and expertise were recognized with the award," said Colonel Gast. "He's a true mentor and literally the "go-to" man for all the issues in the AFE flight.