Exercise Planning Citations
Master Sergeant Yolanda R. Hales distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as Superintendent, Exercise Plans, 603d Air and Space Operations Center, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from XXXXX XXXXX to XXXXX XXXXX. During this period, while in support of Operation ODYSSEY DAWN, Sergeant Hales provided critical logistic and operations support to over 600 joint and coalition members, resulting in the rapid integration of combat forces into the Air Operations Center. Additionally, during U.S. European Command's largest command and control exercise, AUSTERE CHALLENGE, Sergeant Hales skillfully organized Air Operations Center logistics and life support, providing lodging, transportation, and operations support for 789 personnel, while simultaneously ensuring the flawless reception, integration, staging, and onward-movement of exercise forces. Moreover, Sergeant Hales' sterling leadership and attention to detail ensured the accuracy of manning documents for Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, EUCOM, and U.S. Air Forces Europe, guaranteeing optimal utilization of deployed personnel. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Hales reflect great credit upon herself, the 603d Air and Space Operations Center, and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Benjamin S. Picasio distinguished himself by meritorious service as Contigency Exercise Planner, 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron, 621st Contingency Operations Support Group, 621st Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, from XXXXXX XXXX to XXXXXXX XXXX. During this period, Sergeant Sgt Picasio deployed to the 609th Air and Space Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where he supervised cargo and passenger movements, maintaining a ninety-nine percent on-time delivery rate in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. His relentless efforts resulted in the timely delivery of over 220,000 war fighters and 98,000 tons of cargo in support of coalition combat operations. Additionally, as the only qualified Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System instructor, Sergeant Picasio was vital to certifying seven users and increasing the number of qualified planners by two hundred percent. Finally, his attention to detail while planning two U.S. NORTHCOM and two U.S. PACOM exercises resulted in the upgrade of eight Air Force Specialty Codes to combat mission ready status. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Picasio reflect credit upon himself, the 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron, and the United States Air Force.