Civil engineer earns USAFE recognition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  One 31st Fighter Wing Airman received some exciting and surprising news recently when he was informed of his selection as the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Outstanding Military Airmen Dorm Leader of the Year.

Staff Sgt. Robert Gamboa, a 31st Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing manager, was presented the award by Col. Robert Moriarty, USAFE civil engineer commander, Oct. 15 during the command's annual Civil Engineer Excellence Awards dinner at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

"I was surprised and overwhelmed when I first heard the news," said Sergeant Gamboa. "I didn't even know the award existed let alone that I was put up for it. It's an honor to be recognized, but I think it's really a reflection on those around me."

During the award period, which ran from October 2008 to September 2009, Sergeant Gamboa championed three major dormitory upgrades including $355,000 toward surveillance cameras, $100,000 in furniture and $125,000 toward anti-slip stairways.

The NCO also spearheaded a $100,000 contract to paint vacated dormitory rooms, reducing out processing time for residents who previously had to paint their own quarters. In addition, Sergeant Gamboa motivated 20 volunteers to conduct a landscaping/cleanup project that garnered an "excellent" rating during the 31st FW command chief's annual inspection.

"Sergeant Gamboa is dedicated to increasing the quality of life in the Aviano dorms," said Master Sgt. Curtis Finley, 31st CES dorm superintendant. "He has brought new ideas to existing programs and they flow much smoother with his expertise. As one of the senior dorm managers, he is always willing to lend a hand and to train other dorm managers. An NCO of his caliber deserves to be recognized for his hard work and dedication."

During the past year, the near 10-year veteran inspired 51 Airmen to join the dorm council which provided them with leadership opportunities. As a result, vandalism and mischief around the dorms was reduced.

Another accomplishment of note was the NCOs streamlining of the base's bay orderly operations in which he slashed personnel from 16 to nine, reducing wing work center cuts by 3,640 hours.

Looking beyond the Aviano AB perimeter, Sergeant Gamboa also procured $10,000 in furniture for Camp Darby dormitories improving the quality of life for Airmen at a geographically separated unit.

"Sergeant Gamboa is an outstanding example for all to follow," said Sergeant Finley.

The NCO now moves on to the Air Force dorm leadership awards competition to take place later this year.