MSgt Howard Sik, Altus AFB Award Winner!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Master Sgt. Howard Sik, of the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron, is the Air Education and Training Command Readiness Noncommissioned Officer of the Year 2009.

Nominees are evaluated on overall ability and knowledge, other contributions to unit mission, and professional military qualities.

"I have to credit all the people around me working hard just the same," said Sik.

Among other accomplishments, Sik earned praise from the AETC Inspector General, who named him a professional performer for rectifying 86 staff assistance visit deficiencies. He created an Air Force Smart Operations electronic deployment folder process. Coordinating the process' use with AETC; the process has been identified as an initiative for future use by the Air Force. Sik also reengineered the Support Agreement program; by verifying the accuracy and currency of 77 documents, he was responsible for returning $438,000 in reimbursable items.

To those who would like to set themselves up to be an award winner, Sik said, "I would recommend to not just do your job, but to take pride in doing your job well. Always get into the details, whether it be in the Air Force Instructions, local processes or anything. Ensure you are fulfilling 100 percent of requirements and constantly looking at better ways to accomplish the mission."

Sik's selection as the AETC Readiness NCO of the Year was not based solely on his overall abilities and knowledge; his extracurricular efforts for the community include serving as the Altus Top 3 Special Functions point of contact, and chairing the wing's Warrior of the Month program. He has served on both the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 97th Mission Support Group Airman and NCO of the Quarter boards. He volunteered with both Operation Retreat Haven and Habitat for Humanity.

Sik entered the Air Force in 1991 after graduating high school in Canby, Minn., where he still has family. He acknowledges the pivotal role his wife and daughter play in his service and earning this award. "I credit it to the hard work, sometimes long hours, and an understanding, supportive spouse," said Sik.