Master Sgt. Jason Ledbetter, Altus SNCO of the Quarter

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Master Sgt. Jason Ledbetter is the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the quarter (Apr - Jun) 2010.

"I would like to credit my award to my wife and kids who constantly support me in everything I do," said Master Sgt. Ledbetter.

As structures NCO in charge for the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, Sergeant Ledbetter led 12 people to overcome a 25 percent manning shortage by completing 416 work orders with a 99 percent completion rate. His innovations included a facility improvement team; the team led three building repairs and completed $215,000 wing commander priorities in 30 days. He also was his section's environmental manager. He authorized and tracked 55 hazardous materials for 265 facilities with zero incidents. He also led his team in completing several high visibility refurbishments and construction projects that not only added to the base quality of life, such as the golf course locker room and dining area renovation, but also enabled the base mission of deploying Airmen warriors through a refurbishment of the deployment center. All these projects not only improved the base, but saved the Air Force money, according to his nomination package.

"This award will help me be a better role model to the Airman I supervise and work with," said Sergeant Ledbetter.

Sergeant Ledbetter seeks to improve himself along with his base. During the quarter, he attended a 40-hour joint engineer operations course which expanded his awareness of combatant commander's joint expeditionary capabilities. He completed a 24-hour civilian supervisor course which honed his management skills for the total Air Force. He also finished a five-hour bare base planning and layout course, enhancing his knowledge and ability to support future contingency operations. All this information is something he can pass on to his subordinates.

In addition to all these accomplishments and more, Sergeant Ledbetter worked to improve his community. He helped with the Top-3 lounge remodel by volunteering 15 hours, organizing 13 people, and redesigning the space. He coached elementary school baseball, mentoring 249 students and giving 52 hours during the quarter to impart sportsmanship and instill the Air Force core value of integrity and ethical conduct. He also ran the unit's booster club air show booth, establishing shifts and procuring sale items to earn $1,600 for holiday and picnic funds.

"I would recommend to others to just work hard and your work will be recognized. It's not about winning awards, but it's about doing your job and doing it well no matter what you do," said Sergeant Ledbetter, advising others to earn similar recognition.

Sergeant Ledbetter graduated from West Columbia High School in Texas, and still has family in the area. He holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia College.

"I am honored to represent my fellow senior NCOs/NCOs here at Altus that make this wing and the Air Force what it is today," said Sergeant Ledbetter.