512th LRF Airman named best in AFRC

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Leadership can be defined in many ways. In the military, scope of job responsibility, first-class job performance, professionalism, high-quality image, respect of troops and even community involvement outside of the workplace are qualities that make up a good leader.

These qualities are what raters of the Airlift Tanker Association Young Leadership Award seek in potential nominees. It is these same qualities, and then some, which earned Tech. Sgt. David Jackson, 512th Logistics Readiness Flight fuels shop NCO in charge here, a nomination for the award this year at the Air Force Reserve Command level in the NCO category in June.

The Airlift Tanker Association Young Leadership Award recognizes individuals in Air Mobility Command units who show and demonstrate leadership and job performance in primary duties, significant self-improvement and base or community involvement.

"If I could clone him (Sergeant Jackson), I would make five of him," said Lt. Col. Gretchen Kurlander, 512th LRF commander. "He leads from the front. He's self-motivated and enjoys passing his knowledge to his troops."

Even in earning this prestigious award, Sergeant Jackson is modest giving the credit to his friends and family.

"All of the people I've worked with, Reserve and active duty, have played significant roles in my nomination," said Sergeant Jackson. "The support, encouragement and motivation from the young Airmen to higher leadership have always driven and inspired me to be the best I can be, on and off duty. Without the support of my wife Jessica and son Noah I wouldn't be able press forward."

Despite the recognition Sergeant Jackson gives to the significant people in his life, the reservists of the 512th LRF give kudos to his day-in and day-out efforts.

"Even though everyone is proud and happy for me, I am the one who's proud and honored to be able to work with each of my coworkers every day," said the air reserve technician.

Sometimes being a leader means easing the load on upper management and ensuring their well-being.

"Guys like Sergeant Jackson make my job easier," said Colonel Kurlander. "He is part of what makes our unit great. Not only does he exceed the mission requirements, he passes those skills down to his Airmen and other members of the unit. He's the ultimate team player."

Sergeant Jackson will represent AFRC for the 2010 Airlift Tanker Association Young Leadership Award for the Air Force level at the ATA Convention and Banquet in Orlando, Fla., in October. Regardless of the outcome, he has nothing more to prove as far members of his unit are concerned.

"He's the best at what he does," said Colonel Kurlander. "What ever unit he belongs to, he'll make sure they're the best."