TSgt Christopher D. Lance, Altus AFB Award Winner!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  Tech. Sgt. Christopher D. Lance is the Air Education and Training Command nominee for the 2009 Department of Defense Military Fire Officer of the Year Award.

This annual award recognizes an individual military fire officer (Active or Reserve) for superior job performance and outstanding contributions to the fire service, with specific focus for on-duty related contributions to Fire and Emergency Services programs.

"I hope (this award) motivates the young airman to see that if you work hard enough you can be a significant asset to the Air Force and it's very satisfying to be recognized for your efforts," said Sergeant Lance.

Sergeant Lance out-performed other Military Fire Officers in AETC by winning 4 NCO of the quarter and year awards in 2009 as well as receiving coins from AETC Commander Gen. Stephen Lorenz and Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana. In three different emergency responses during the year, Sergeant Lance saved money and lives, including an infant.

His guidance led to five of his airmen being chosen for promotion below-the-zone. 38 percent of his subordinates in upgrade training scored a 90 percent, with a total of 92 certificates earned. Five of his Airmen earned a combined total of 36 credits from the Community College of the Air Force, with one of them receiving a degree.

Additionally, his selection for this AETC honor and elevation for a Department of Defense honor acknowledges his volunteer work as, among other things, a tiger scout leader, in the 97th Civil Engineering Squadron's Christmas toy and food drive, and driver in the funeral procession of a fallen firefighter.

"The Altus AFB Fire Department deserves the recognition," he said. "The training program is fantastic and the caliber of leadership is superb."

Sergeant Lance, a native of Early, Texas, is married to Rachael and they have a son, Christopher. Sergeant Lance now serves as a firefighter instructor at Goodfellow AFB, Texas.

Sergeant Lance will go on to the Air Force competition level and then to the DoD Fire and Emergency Services level.