GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- While receiving the award of 434th Air Refueling Wing First Sergeant of the year could be considered a great accomplishment in and of itself, receiving the award twice is even better. 

Senior Master Sgt. James Carter, First Sergeant of the 434th Maintenance Squadron, received the award for the second time. 

"I'm sold on being able to help those (Airmen) around me," said Sergeant Carter with a smile on his face." "I get a good feeling for being able to provide assistance to those in need, just as someone did for me when I joined the Air Force". 

First sergeants are responsible for the morale, welfare and conduct of all the enlisted members in a squadron and play an important role as the chief advisers to the squadron commander concerning the enlisted force. 

These responsibilities are intensified in a deployed environment, he said. 

During a recent temporary duty assignment to Turkey, Sergeant Carter was responsible for the quality of life issues for the Airmen under his supervision.
 
He wanted to ensure that his Airmen had all of the accommodations to keep them focused on their mission and ensure effectiveness in the work force, he said. 

Sergeant Carter has been in the Air Force Reserves for over 20 years.