AFSC 2T3X1 Vehicle Maintenance Awards
Staff Sergeant Michael J Richardson distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Vehicle Equipment Maintenance, 823d Expeditionary Base Defense Squadron, 378th Air Expeditionary Group, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. During this period, Sergeant Richardson maintained and inspected the base vehicle fleet, conducting more than 400 170-point service inspections. His efforts rectified 531 vehicle faults, enabling the uninterrupted defense of aircraft on the installation. Additionally, as the Vehicle Maintenance Contracting Office Representative, he oversaw the Wing's vehicle lease program and coordinated three contracts for 105 vehicles, expanding the vehicle fleet by 130 percent and eliminating mission shortfalls. Further, Sergeant Richardson filled the Field Service Representative void by diagnosing a faulty oil pressure sensor on a Mine Resistant Ambush Protection Vehicle, averting six weeks of downtime which was pivotal in securing the Patriot missile sites. Finally, he rebuilt the maintenance shop after 15 years of neglect, enabling the installation of War Readiness Material assets worth five million dollars, directly aiding relations with Royal Saudi Air Force counterparts. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Richardson reflect credit upon himself, the 823d Expeditionary Base Defense Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Chief Master Sergeant Gary S Bouapha distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as the Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent, 158th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 158th Mission Support Group, 158th Fighter Wing, South Burlington, Vermont. During this period, Sergeant Bouapha directed the yearly completion of over 1,700 work orders for preventive, scheduled, and unscheduled maintenance of the Wing's 130 vehicle fleet. His sustained efforts ensured continuous support for the Wing's missions and guaranteed the 24-hour availability of the base's fire fighting assets in support of continuous commercial operations at the Burlington Airport which shares the runway with the Wing. Additionally, Sergeant Bouapha's relentless efforts resulted in the award of a supplemental Salary Rate which helped recruit and hire five skilled technicians for the vehicle maintenance team, increasing readiness. Moreover, he secured over 250,000 dollars in training for the development of 13 Total Force Airmen which expanded mission readiness by 35 percent despite Vermont's arduous winter conditions. Finally, while deployed, he skillfully directed the Financial Improvement Audit Readiness for Air Force Central Command, taking the program to best in the Command in less than 60 days while ensuring 100 percent compliance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Bouapha culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the 158th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the Vermont Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Shawn J. McDonald, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as Vehicle Maintenance Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Communications Support Detachment, Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), United States Transportation Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida from September 2017 to July 2020. During this period, Sergeant McDonald managed 117 tactical, commercial, and maritime assets valued at more than ten million dollars and sustained a 93 percent mission capable rate with zero mission failures. In addition, under his direction, the Detachment line hauled cargo worth over 90 million dollars more than 120,000 miles, enabling 63 missions and averting more than 200,000 dollars in civilian transport costs. Finally, Sergeant McDonald was selected to attend the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle manual verification course and contributed to the relevance and accuracy of course content. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant McDonald reflect great credit upon himself, the Joint Communications Support Element and the United States Air Force.