Deployed Airman maintains excellence

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison Boehm
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  Senior Airman Russell Camiolo, 19th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, deployed at Balad, Iraq, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Jan. 10-16.

"Senior Airman Camiolo has done remarkable work here at JBB," said Col. David Lujan, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander. "His hard work and dedication to the job has made him a key component to mission success."

After congratulating the new winner in front of wing leadership, Colonel Lujan presented Airman Camiolo with the award and a commander's coin at the wing headquarters Jan. 21.

Airman Camiolo, a 332nd EMG aerospace ground equipment journeyman, was responsible for the delivery of more than 140 pieces of equipment for the launch and support of both F-16 and C-130 aircraft. The delivery of those components resulted in a total of 245 combat sorties flown with no AGE equipment late or lost.

The Dickson, Tenn., native also isolated a bomb lift "no start" discrepancy in which he repaired a harness in-lieu of a replacement, which was vital to the flight's 97 percent in-commission rate.
While serving on his first deployment, Airman Camiolo was hand-picked by his commander in recognition of his professionalism and military bearing while he chauffeured Lt. Gen. Loren Reno, the deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support, headquarters U.S. Air Force, during a JBB tour.

"This achievement gives me a great feeling of accomplishment to be able to represent the Tuskegee heritage with pride," said Airman Camiolo. "I like to be part of a team that works together to accomplish every task, no matter how small -- our job is just as real here in Iraq as at home station. Seeing the combat side of our career field allows me to see the big picture of things."

Among his accomplishments, Airman Camiolo managed 18 pressure washers, in which he identified and repaired 35 discrepancies. His maintenance work on these units led to a 98 percent in-commission rate.

Airman Camiolo focused part of his off-time volunteering at Troy's Place, where he helped improve the quality of life for people at JBB.

Airman Camiolo was nominated by his supervisor Staff Sgt. Andrew Larson, 332nd EXMG AGE inspection and repair floor supervisor.

"Airman Camiolo has a strong work ethic and outstanding equipment knowledge," said Sergeant Larson. "His high energy level is extremely contagious, inspiring his fellow Airmen to work that much harder to complete any task. He deserves this recognition for all of his hard work."