Altus Airman Recognized in Balad

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacy Fowler
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  Senior Airman Paul Tejano, 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management and analysis technician, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for July 4-10, 2010.

"He is a high-speed, highly-dedicated Airman," said Maj. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "We are very lucky to have someone of his caliber here at Joint Base Balad."

After congratulating the new winner in front of wing leadership, General Franklin presented Airman Tejano with a recognition certificate and a commander's coin at the wing headquarters July 15.

Airman Tejano, deployed from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., coordinated a $1.8 million, 107-vehicle lease renewal with U.S. Central Command, which in turn validated a one-year requirement, averted the loss of base transportation support, and helped the future drawdown of forces by minimizing the amount of equipment shipped to the area of responsibility.

When he wasn't coordinating vehicle requirements and training unit vehicle control officials, Airman Tejano, originally from the Philippines and now a resident of Sacramento, Calif., devoted six hours to the Joint Base Balad Honor Guard by presenting and posting the flags for the 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group change of command. He also volunteered his time at the USO lounge, assisting more than 20 customers and helping to sustain morale for Balad and transiting personnel.

"Be proactive and do your job to the best of your abilities," said Airman Tejano. "That's why we are here. Have a positive outlook at work, have fun, and do something to improve yourselves like pursuing higher education, volunteering, or hitting the gym to get back in shape."

Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5 are eligible to become the 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week, based on accomplishments on and off duty.