Photo Information

908th AES Aviation Resource Manager Master Sgt. Richard O. Neal conducts an annual flight records review with Senior Airman Jacob Orr, an aeromedical evacuation technician. Neal has been selected as the 22nd Air Force Flight Management SNCO of the Year. (Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jay Ponder)

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jay Ponder

Flight management SNCO best in 22nd Air Force

26 Sep 2011 | Tech. Sgt. Jay Ponder

Continuing in a long line of accolades received by members of the 908th Airlift Wing for occupational and professional excellence, Master Sgt. Richard O. Neal, 908th AES Aviation Resource Manager (SARM) has been selected as the 22nd Air Force Flight Management SNCO of the Year.

Key among Neal's accomplishments was his deployment to Kandahar, his most challenging, as he described it. There, he worked with flyers from 15 bases, tracking their training and flying times.

Little did he know the workload that was waiting for him.

"There was no one there for six weeks prior to my arrival," he said. "So when I got there, I had a stack of work waiting on me along with the added bonus of being designated the NCOIC on the night shift."

Neal attributed his success to Col. Jacqueline Jacobs, commander of the AES and Major Michael Hilyard, director of operations. He said they encouraged him and prepared his package for submission of the award as well making his continuing advancement possible.

"They give me all the support I need when it comes to attending the schools I need and temporary duty assignments, as well as affording me the opportunity to do whatever I need to do."

"Rich is a fantastic worker," said Maj. Hilyard, "He not only takes care of the squadron, but the 357 Airlift Squadron as well. He is the SARM, the Unit Health Monitor, and computer monitor. He truly deserves this award!"

As Neal explained, his job basically entails ensuring aircrew members have what they need to fly, and cutting orders for all the flying missions going out.

"Before the flight, I check if aircrew members are 'go, or no-go,'" he said. "This includes making sure they've met all of their requirements."

After the flights, he logs members' time in-flight and any training that might have been conducted.

"What makes MSgt. Neal excellent is he steps outside his career field and helps every AES enlisted person regardless of their AFSC," said Chief Master Sergeant Patrick L. Weir, Superintendent of Nursing Services for the 908th AES, "He's not asked or told to do it. He sees the need, goes out there and does it."