Aviano logisticians garner USAFE honors Published May 29, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron ratcheted up one-third of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe 2008 annual awards for logisticians taking home seven individual and two flight awards. "I'm extremely proud and overjoyed," said Lt. Col. Martinez, 31st LRS commander. "It is wonderful to have our awesome logistics professionals in our LRS Family recognized for the great work they did in 2008 to support the mission of the 31st Fighter Wing." The commander attributed his unit's success to the tremendous positive impacts the individuals and the flights had on the wing's mission and the success of our Air Force. "It is amazing to think that the things they do daily make things happen," said Colonel Martinez. "Often, their tasks don't seem very important in the eyes of others until something doesn't work out right. Thankfully, that doesn't happen very often, because we consistently go the extra mile to keep the mission from failing. In my estimation, that is the reason why we earned these awards." Brad Lovemore earned the George F. Ruestow Air Force Logistics Readiness Senior Civilian Manager of the Year Award. Mr. Lovemore, an installation deployment officer, was recognized for his efforts with a former presidential visit to Africa, the constant challenge of getting Airmen down range and for his work with several joint exercises. "The Presidential visit to Africa was my most significant accomplishment on a personal level," said Mr. Lovemore. "Secondly, the constant challenge of getting people down range in support of [Air Expeditionary Force]. Lastly, the Bulgaria flight training deployment takes an incredible amount of coordination to make it happen." "Everything we do here at Aviano has a global impact," said Mr. Lovemore. "I enjoy being a real part of translating our military and political objectives into reality; all the while working alongside like-minded professionals at all levels." Master Sgt. Ernest Trice earned the Logistics Plans Senior NCO of the Year Award. Sergeant Trice, NCO in charge of contingency operations, was lauded for his support of several critical flight training deployments, to include planning the largest field training deployment of the year to Bulgaria. He was also critical in driving the lead for an Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative potentially saving USAFE $232,000 annually. "Planning and executing the wing's largest flight training deployment was the most significant accomplishment," said Sergeant Trice. "Making the mission happen during what some people may call a 'crisis mode' is when 'Log Planners' excel. The most gratifying aspect of my job is getting airframes and people to their designated deployed location with zero delays." Master Sgt. Dean Ainardi earned the Vehicle Management Senior NCO of the Year Award. Master Sgt. Andrew Myers earned the Vehicle Operations Senior NCO of the Year Award. Tech. Sgt. Denese Sines earned the Logistics Plans NCO of the Year Award. Sergeant Sines, the NCO in charge of plans and programs and an 11-year logistics planner veteran, was key in keeping deployed Airmen on track and revamping base training programs. "While I was deployed, I was able to ensure that the deployers and redeployers either arrived or departed on time to meet mission needs," said Sergeant Sines. "Another accomplishment would be revamping our training programs so that the base point of contacts can be given the knowledge and skill to do their jobs correctly for the programs they are assigned to." Without the help of her co-workers and family, Sergeant Sines said this all wouldn't have been possible. "One person can't do it alone," she said. "The most important is my family and friends. I wouldn't be where I am today without their love and support. The thing I enjoy the most about my job is the sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that what I do makes a difference, not only during time of war but during peace time as well." Senior Airman Jennifer Wright earned the Logistics Plans Airman of the Year Award. Airman Wright, a logistics planner, was recognized for excelling on- and off-duty and setting the standard for those Airmen around her. "I think my biggest accomplishment was acquiring my Community College of the Air Force degree because it is not easy working a full time job and trying to pursue a degree as well," Airman Wright said. "Also, the successful deployment and redeployment of the Iron Falcon package last [year] and winning two 31st LRS [quarterly] awards were key. If you put your mind to it, anything is possible." Airman Wright also credits squadron leadership for helping her pursue her dreams and to never give up. "I have some truly amazing supervisors who have given me the opportunity to excel in my position," she said. "I think that when you have great mentors, you are more likely to be successful." Senior Airman Joshua Lorenz earned the Vehicle Operations Airman of the Year Award. Airmen Lorenz, a vehicle operator, proved he was best in USAFE with a courage-under-fire mentality. He also helped maneuver a convoy logistics patrol through two small arms attack with no injuries or damage to the vehicles when he was deployed. He was also instrumental in distributing more than 300,000 tons of critical munitions to forward operating bases. Airmen Lorenz also managed delivery of $240 million in assets. The 31st LRS Readiness and Materiel Management Flights both earned a Best Flight in USAFE Award. The 31st LRS Readiness Flight was recognized as USAFE Readiness Flight of the Year for its unwavering support of all deployed missions and 14 other contingencies last year, its training of wing personnel, aircraft coordination, and for ensuring deployers had their complete mobility requirements. "Each and every location requires different deployment checklists and reporting instructions to be followed," said Capt. Jimmy Hernandez, 31st LRS officer in charge of contingency operations. "Attention to detail is vital. However, we must give credit to the deployers for doing a magnificent job at staying flexible and adhering to these regulations especially to those that were tasked on short notice [temporary duties]." "The big picture is that the 31st Fighter Wing needs professionals to support its high tempo," he said. "I've been lucky enough to see my Airmen develop into a cohesive, efficient and professional team. We balance the mission while taking care of each other." In reflecting on his units many successes, Colonel Martinez said he's honored to lead the more than 400 professional Airmen; military, U.S. and Italian civilians alike. He said taking care of them and their family members and watching them accomplish phenomenal feats every day is what he enjoys most. "We are blessed with the best logisticians here at Aviano," said Colonel Martinez.