Lieutenant colonels with at least two years time in grade may be able to retire at their current grade through the Time in Grade Waiver Program, said Lt. Col. Tara White, Air Force Personnel Center retirements and separations chief.

Air Force officials announced last December that the TIG Waiver Program and other voluntary force management initiatives would be implemented to help meet authorized end strength levels, White said. Eligible officers who are interested may still be thinking about the option, but waiver applications are due to AFPC by June 1, she reminded.

"Retention is higher than we've seen in 17 years, which is beneficial in some ways. We have a strong, dedicated force, but we also have a congressional ceiling of 332,800 active duty members. Our challenge is to bring numbers down to that mandated level without damaging our ability to meet mission needs," White explained.

Voluntary force management programs, like the time in grade waiver, enable the Air Force to surgically trim numbers in overmanned fields by approving applications case-by-case, depending on career field manning and Air Force requirements. In addition, eligible officers who are constrained by an active duty service commitment may be eligible to apply for a waiver through the Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Program.

"Applying for a TIG or Limited ADSC waiver does not guarantee you will be approved," White said. "But all who meet eligibility criteria and are interested should certainly apply."

Eligible officers assigned overseas, short or long tour, and officers who are deployed or on temporary duty assignment away from their home station may apply for the program, but guidelines vary for each situation, so applicants should review requirements before applying, the colonel advised.

The waiver program is open to line of the Air Force, LAF Judge Advocate General, chaplain, biomedical sciences corps and medical services corps lieutenant colonels.

It is not open to officers who are under investigation, pending disciplinary action or involuntary discharge, under appellate review, or pending disability evaluation system action, White said.

In addition, officers in certain specialties are not eligible to apply, including medical, dental and nurse corps, Catholic chaplains, 11X (pilots) and 12X (navigators), and those whose core specialties are one of the following:

13B - Air Battle Manager
13D - Control and Recovery
13L - Air Liaison Officer
13M - Airfield Operations
14N - Intelligence
32E - Civil Engineering
35P - Public Affairs
64P - Contracting

For application details and information about other voluntary force management programs, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil, select the "All Components" search option and enter PSDM 11-105 in the search box.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- Congratulations to the following members of the 62nd Airlift Wing and Team McChord who earned a quarterly award for the months of January through March 2012.

Civilian Category IA

62nd AW: Anthony Depersio, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron
Team McChord: Randy Sortino, 361st Recruiting Squadron

Civilian Category IIA

62nd AW: April Habel, 62nd AW Command Post
Team McChord: Audrey Dubay, 627th Communications Squadron

Civilian Category IIB

62nd AW: Blaine Barnett, 62nd Operations Support Squadron
Team McChord: James Haniuk, 1st Air Support Operations Group

Airman of the Quarter

62nd AW: Airman 1st Class Shaun McAnish, 8th Airlift Squadron
Team McChord: Airman 1st Class Jerome Washington, 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter

62nd AW: Staff Sgt. Jason Yeargin, 62nd Operations Group
Team McChord: Tech. Sgt. Enrique Lara, 5th Air Support Operations Squadron

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter

62nd AW: Senior Master Sgt. Gary Willis, 62nd Maintenance Squadron
Team McChord: Master Sgt. Jonathan Skipper, 5th ASOS

Junior Company Grade Officer of the Quarter

62nd AW: 1st Lt. Ian Mazerski, 62nd MXS
Team McChord: 1st Lt. Brian Mitchell, 627th LRS

Company Grade Officer of the Quarter

62nd AW: Capt. Benjamin Chapman, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Team McChord: Capt. Joshua Tate, 627th Force Support Squadron

Honor Guard Member of the Quarter

Senior Airman Logan McElroy, 62nd AMXS

At 6 foot, 6 inches tall and 305 pounds, 2nd Lt. Ben Garland looks more like a football player than a typical Air Force officer. That's because he's a defensive lineman contracted to play for the Denver Broncos and currently attending the team's conditioning and tryout camps which last through mid-June.

While the 23-year-old Air Force Academy graduate waited for official word from the Secretary of the Air Force on being released from active duty through the Palace Chase program, which was recently approved, he spent his time at Scott Air Force Base in a disciplined balancing act to meet both the Air Force and the NFL physical fitness requirements.

"To play defensive lineman you have to be a pretty big guy. I need to be around 300 pounds to stay competitive and that's not really the Air Force body type where you're going to run a mile and a half really fast and you're going to have a small waist," said Garland, who served as the 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs chief of media operations. "Even with the pushups and sit-ups, you're pulling and pushing a lot more weight than the average Air Force member so it makes the testing extremely difficult."

But, Garland's no stranger to achieving tough things, as he aced his most recent fitness assessment with an overall score of 90.4, though he admits that meeting the waist measurement is the toughest part since it does not take into consideration height or body composition. For maximum points, his waist needed to be less than 35 inches, and in order not to fail it had to be no more than 39 inches. He measured 38 inches.

"I know a lot of people who struggle with the waist measurement; it has been difficult trying to maintain standards and be competitive in football," said Garland, a Denver native. "But it's one of those things you have to take and push through. You have to take the Air Force standards and make them your No. 1 priority."

The Air Force has been his No. 1 priority ever since he dreamed about becoming an Air Force officer. He had scholarship offers from several division one schools but instead worked to earn an Academy appointment purely on academics and leadership.

"I wanted to earn it. I did not want to be given a waiver or an exception because I was a football player. I wanted to be evaluated and accepted in every area and get in on my own merit; it meant more to me that way," said Garland.

During his successful career at the Academy where he majored in systems engineering management and became well known for his on field intensity and relentless pursuit of the big hit, several pro teams showed interest in signing him.

A fellow Academy football player, 1st Lt. Tyler Weeks, said, "Ben is a relentless, physical, and dominating football player who gives 100 percent effort on every play with a motor that never stops running. Ben has always been a loyal teammate who motivates others to perform at their highest potential. His example and encouragement lift the play of those around him and make Ben a valued member of any team." Weeks, a former offensive lineman, now serves as the Air Mobility Command Financial Management and Comptroller executive officer.

Though Garland had been preparing to become a pilot, when the opportunity came to play professional football, he made "the tough call."

"I dreamt of flying for the Air Force ... and playing in the NFL for the Broncos ... it was a tough choice but I ultimately decided to play for my home team," said Garland.

The Broncos gave him a three-year contract and placed him on inactive reserve status so he could complete his Air Force commitment. As an Academy graduate, Garland was committed to serving two years active duty before being eligible to separate. After graduation, he served as a strength and conditioning coach at the Academy until the Air Force sent him to become a public affairs officer with his first duty station here.

He arrived at Scott AFB in July 2011 and it didn't take too long for people to start noticing the big guy on campus.

"I didn't think anyone was aware of my intentions to be a professional football player," said Garland. "No one let on they knew and if they did, I didn't see it at first. But, then I would be training at the gym, and people would ask me questions about football, about Tim Tebow, [former] quarterback for the Denver Broncos, or someone would just ask for fitness tips."

If there is a perception that football players are just "dumb jocks," then getting to know Garland breaks that perception very quickly as it did with his supervisor who said that initial thought had briefly crossed her mind, but soon realized that he was anything but a stereotype.

"We absolutely adore Lt. Garland!" said Karen Petitt, chief of public affairs. "He's this big gentle giant with a great laugh, strength of character, and genuine interest in his team. He's got this amazing gift for details and a memory that keeps us on track with all the taskings that come our way. Everyone just naturally looks to him as a leader, but not because he's the 'office linebacker' like you see on those TV commercials, but because he's got integrity and charisma, and they know they can depend on him."

Weeks agreed and said that Garland is a humble, selfless, easy-going person who understands there is more than fame and glory that go along with playing a sport at its highest level; he constantly gives back to the community and mentors young athletes.

"Ben's athleticism and sheer work ethic stand out the most. Some players rely on athleticism alone to be 'good' players. Ben has become a 'great' player because he dedicates every fiber of himself to becoming a better athlete every day."

Garland said he's not bothered by football stereotypes because he knows what it takes to play at that level where the intricacies of the game are complex and the intellectual knowledge requires due diligence with studying the tactics and techniques of the game.

"Everyone who plays--even at the college level--is continually analyzing and thinking multiple steps ahead of what they're going to do and how it will affect the game. To understand the schemes and understand what goes into the full game, you have to be intelligent even if you're only intelligent in the ways of football," he said.

When he's wasn't leading PA's 27-person shop through mobility exercises, crisis response situations or media events, he traded in his uniform for PT gear to put in another five hours at the gym to keep competitive for the Broncos training camp. Though he's on contract, there's still a vigorous selection process for which he trained, as well as to meet the minimum fitness requirements of his contract.

He kept his workouts consistent no matter what obstacles got in the way. Even when tired or sick, or after a long day, he pushed through to get his workout in.

"Some days I might work a 12 hour shift, go home and eat a full meal until I'm stuffed, and then I go work out as hard as I can because I know there's some other guy out there working as hard as he can to beat me out for that roster spot. I also know there is someone who is training hard to line up across from me, so I need to stay on top of my game for that," said Garland.

Each day he combined stretching and mobility exercises with strength conditioning, weightlifting and speed work. Garland could be seen at the gym adding weight after weight to each machine at times surpassing over a half ton.

"I do a lot of precautionary and pre-injury work and use cold and hot tub contrast to help prevent injuries during training. You don't want to hurt yourself before you even get to go play."

To fuel this extreme activity, he must consume between 6,000 and 8,000 calories a day. A typical day's worth of food consists of different combinations of lean meats, vegetables, protein and good fats such as nuts and avocados. Eating that much food is expensive and his average grocery bill was $200 a week.

"My diet is nowhere near the average Airman's," said Garland. "I have to eat so much food that it can be tough scheduling it around working out and the full time commitments of the Air Force. But, it's all about discipline. You have to balance everything while keeping focused on your end goals."

With what remained of his spare time on the weekends, Garland read books on defense and studied the game--always looking for ways to improve. Those who know him know that there's little doubt that he will reach all of his goals, to which Garland says he gives credit to the Air Force.

"The Air Force has influenced me on the football field in every aspect from work ethic to teaching me how to work as a team to just being disciplined," said Garland. "In the Air Force it's 'Excellence In All We Do,' and on the football field you put that same excellence into every play. If your job is to hold this gap then I'm going to do everything in my power to be in that gap."

Now that he is approved for separation as of May 26, he plans to finish using his leave status to keep attending the camp while working with base leadership on the separation details. He plans to finish his service commitment in the Guard, but details are still being worked. Until then, his office--who claim No. 1 fan status besides his mom of course--and indeed all of Scott AFB are staying tuned in to the Broncos website to catch glimpses of Garland at camp and to cheer him on throughout the tryouts.

"I work hard and served the best that I could," said Garland. "I dedicated myself to serving my country ... and now it's time to play some football!"

Receiving tributes is the last thing on Staff Sgt. Ralph Godinez's mind when he submerges himself in community service activities. In fact, seeing the results his efforts produce is more than enough appreciation in his eye.

However, fellow Airmen in his Reserve unit felt his efforts needed to be shared with society. So, they nominated him as the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year- the same award he will accept at the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma luncheon, April 24, 2012 at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Tacoma Seattle.

"Sergeant Godinez is an invaluable member of the 728th Airlift Squadron 'Flying Knights' family," said Lt. Col. Richard Poston, 728th AS commander in Godinez's nomination letter. "His dedication to duty and achievements go above and beyond what is expected."

Godinez, who was also recognized by his peers last year by selecting him as the 728th AS Most Valuable Performer Award winner, won the Citizen-Soldier award for going the extra mile in both his Reserve career and personal life.

The Graham, Wash. resident is best known for founding Café dos Ninas, a non-profit coffee stand, in which all proceeds go to support families affected by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, with biannual funds going to the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation. Since its inception eight years ago, the café has donated more than $20,000.

To add more irons to the fire, Godinez's list of community involvement includes: membership in the Air Force Sergeants' Association, volunteering and coordinating youth events for the Northwest Fellowship Children's ministry, coaching youth soccer, and helping third-grade students with reading.

As an Air Force Reservist, he's responsible for ensuring the readiness of all 120 people in his squadron by making sure documents and equipment are up to date, so they are ready to deploy worldwide, with short notice. He tracks surplus equipment and items, saving the squadron thousands of dollars a year. Godinez also keeps unit members in touch with current events while they work in the civilian force.

This is the second straight year a Reservist with the 446th Airlift Wing has earned the award.

The following are the military justice and administrative discharge actions involving Airmen on Joint Base Lewis-McChord that occurred during March 2012. The punishments are determined based on the individual facts and circumstances of each case.

The following information is a summary of courts-martial:

-A technical sergeant from the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron committed aggravated sexual assault and indecent acts with a child under the age of 16. The technical sergeant received reduction to airman basic, 10 years confinement and a dishonorable discharge.

-An airman from the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron willfully disobeyed a superior commissioned officer by violating a no-contact order, failed to obey a lawful order by driving on-base with revoked privileges and make a false official statement. The airman basic received reduction to airman basic, five days of confinement, 25 days of hard labor without confinement and a reprimand.

The following information is a summary of Article 15s:

- An airman 1st class from the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron committed unlawful entry and indecent language. The airman 1st class received reduction to airman, two forfeitures of $835, 30 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

- A technical sergeant from the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron made and signed a false official statement. The technical sergeant received reduction to staff sergeant, two forfeitures of $1482, 45 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

- An airman from the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron committed failure to go by being absent without leave for less than three days. The airman received reduction to airman basic, two forfeitures of $745, 30 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

- An airman from the 627th Force Support Squadron committed failure to go by going from place of duty. The senior airman received two forfeitures of $745, 30 days of extra duty, 45 days of rest and a reprimand.

- A senior airman from the 627th Civil Engineer Squadron made a false official statement. The senior airman received reduction to airman 1st class, two forfeitures of $500, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

The following information is a summary of involuntary discharges.

- An airman 1st class from the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received general discharge for minor disciplinary infractions.

When I put on my uniform every morning, I get particular about each item's accuracy and how identifies myself as an Airman.

Monday, it's my shirt: clean and crisp, my badges correctly aligned and wings straight, shoes polished. Tuesdays: blousing straps even, my uniform clean and sharp. From heal to head, as perfect a representative of the Air Force as possible.

As my commander, Lt. Col. Clinton ZumBrunnen, 10th Airlift Squadron, would say, "Would I pass the town hall test?" Would I pass the American peoples' scrutiny at a town hall meeting as a sharp and professional Airman, worthy of the trust and hefty price tag to train and equip me their "guardian of freedom and justice?" Do I have the integrity to wear my uniform correctly?

None of us are perfect, but we should always strive to be. It's obvious when others wear the uniform incorrectly. They might look sloppy; their hat crumpled, or shoes a mess and all within the first five minutes of showing up for work.

At the end of the day, your uniform speaks to the level of physical exertion required, your exposure to the elements, or the medical precautions that your job entails. All Airmen, regardless of their job location, should ask themselves this question, "Do I look professional in my uniform?" or "Do I even care?"

I would hope that you do care. Webster's Dictionary defines integrity as "In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions." Integrity is the cornerstone of our core values. How can we perform to our utmost abilities if we start our day not caring about our professional image?

We work hard for our country; we should reflect that pride and show America their investment in us is something that should fill them with pride. We should "pass the town hall test" each day.

From wing commander to newest Airman, wear your integrity like your uniform, clean and crisp, from boots-to-beret, from heart-to-headset, always with honesty, accuracy and precision. An Airman can do no less!

As the Air Force continues a civilian workforce restructure through voluntary retirement and separation initiatives, officials have instituted new flexibilities to help minimize the impact of downsizing and workforce shaping.

Unlike the previous two rounds, the third round of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay will allow civilians to fill VSIP-created vacancies at other Air Force installations, provided the losing base can show it saved an employee from involuntary separation. This will allow an exception to Department of Defense Priority Placement Program clearance procedures.

These flexibilities will be used during the third round of VERA and VSIP, which begins May 1, and will help give civilians the opportunity for continued employment. Officials said the flexibilities will be used to the maximum extent allowed.

"We're committed to sustaining excellence, meeting fiscal requirements and minimizing negative impacts on our current permanent civilian workforce and their families," said Michelle LoweSolis, the Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration director. "These flexibilities will give us an even greater ability to rebalance the skills of our workforce into enduring positions at various installations."

The survey window for the next VERA or VSIP opportunity will open during the first week of May. Applications will be due during the week of May 14, or an earlier date established by local authorities. If approved, applicants will retire or separate by Aug. 31.

"The goal is to have all civilian employees realigned to continuing positions by Sept. 30," said Lisa Cevallos, a human resources specialist at AFPC. "We encourage managers to consider restructuring any vacant positions they have for the placement of affected employees. They should also work with their (civilian personnel sections) on additional flexible processes to help place employees."

Employees should review all available information on the programs at the Air Force Personnel Services website and word search "VERA" and "VSIP." For annuity estimates, employees should go to the AFPC Benefits and Entitlements Service Team automated website, EBIS, to access the retirement calculator.

After gathering information through AFPERS and EBIS, employees should contact their local CPS to discuss their individual situation, and what steps to take if they are offered VERA, VSIP or both.

For more information about civilian employment, voluntary separation programs and other personnel issues, visit AFPERS at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

Frequent deployments, tours of duty, humanitarian missions and training flights may lead loved ones to ask, "What are they doing up there?"

More than 100 loved ones got the chance to find out April 14 when they took to the skies as part of the 62nd Operations Group spouse orientation flight.

The purpose of these flights is to familiarize military spouses with the unit aircraft and mission to enhance their understanding of their Airman's role to the Air Force mission.

"This is just a small way to give back to our spouses," Col. Paul Eberhart, 62nd OG commander, said. "These types of intangible paybacks help to strengthen families because the spouses get a better understanding of the mission and get a chance to see what their loved ones do. It is an investment in the relationships of our Airmen."

This was the first time an orientation flight was hosted for the entire 62nd OG.

"We're excited for this opportunity to show them what we do," Capt. Mike Zinkgraf, 8th Airlift Squadron chief executive officer and one of the planners for the event, said. "We want to ‘wow' them and open their eyes a little. It's also a reward for putting up with us always being away from home."

Before boarding the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the spouses were treated with a light breakfast and then separated into two C-17s for the flight. Aboard the C-17s, the group watched a forklift loading demonstration followed by a combat off-load demonstration.

While flying, the loadmasters opened the ramp doors and the spouses were able to view Mount Rainier and the Washington state coastline. In addition, they had a chance to sit up in the cockpit area.

The 62nd OG consists of four active duty flying squadrons: 4th, 7th, 8th and 10th AS. These squadrons share responsibility for manning two forward deployed expeditionary squadrons.

The 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron mission is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout central and southwest Asia. The 62nd OG also provides manning for the 304th EAS in support of Operation Deep Freeze.

"This was definitely a cool and memorable experience," Amber Whitcomb, wife of Senior Airman Brian Whitcomb, 8th AS instructor loadmaster, said. "My favorite part was when they opened the doors and we were able to look out. This will be something I will look back on and be proud of what my husband does in the Air Force."

Interesting career opportunities exist for enlisted Airmen who are ready for new challenges and have a desire to take their careers in a whole new direction.

Airmen who want to stay in their career field but want to try something outside their comfort zone can apply for various joint, Department of Defense and special duty opportunities that are advertised on the Equal Plus listing.

"There are many great opportunities with unique and rewarding work environments where Airmen will gain a broader perspective of how the Air Force fits into the big picture," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Cobb, assigned to the Air Force Personnel Center Mission Support/Joint Department Assignments branch. "There are usually 60 or 70 jobs listed and they vary by career field, experience levels and rank, so Equal Plus may have something right up your alley."

The list is updated daily with such positions as defense awards manager, engineering maintenance technician, administrative assistant to the deputy secretary of defense, executive support supervisor and more.

"Special duty positions run the gamut from instructor to recruiter, but we're really focused on highlighting the DOD assignments," Cobb said. "Most of those positions are in D.C., but the Office of the Secretary of Defense has some overseas positions, too, so that's a possibility."

Finding the perfect position starts with a visit to the Air Force secure site, accessible on the Air Force Portal. From there, go to the Assignment Management System and select the Equal Plus link.

"It's pretty simple, and most Airmen are already familiar with AMS. Even if you're not, though, you just follow the instructions on the site and use the quick links to navigate," said Cobb.

Airmen selected for a DOD or joint assignment can expect to significantly broaden their awareness and abilities, she explained.

"The Air Force is only one piece of a much larger picture," she said. "Having the opportunity to use your skills at the DOD level will improve your understanding of the Air Force role and how the services work with many other agencies to achieve national security goals."

For more information about assignments and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

Air Mobility Command has honored two Reservists from the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here for their outstanding work as associate wing maintainers.

Master Sgt. Jeffrey Daniels and Senior Airman Mailani Akey received the 2012 AMC Outstanding Reserve Associate Maintenance Award, which is given to Reservists from tenant units that carry the AMC mission. Daniels earned his award in the supervisor category, while Akey won hers as a technician.

"I'm very proud of them," said Lt. Col. Luke Upton, 446th AMXS commander. "They're awesome troops. They do a very outstanding job, and it's good to see them finally get recognized. I think it reflects very well on the squadron and also it shows the caliber of the folks we have, here in the 446th AMXS."

Daniels, the 446th Silver Aircraft Maintenance Unit pro-supervisor and night-shift expeditor, gives a shout out to his crew in winning his award.

"I credit the award to all of the technicians who work around me," Daniels said, who came into the Reserve in 1984. "Because if they weren't outstanding maintainers, I wouldn't have received anything."

Daniel's supervisor, Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Steinbacher, 446th Silver AMU section chief, explains what makes Daniels stand out.

"Jeff does a great job," Steinbacher said. "When he's out on the flightline, he expedites for the active duty, Reserve and civilians. The way he works with the active duty makes him stand out. He makes the relationship seamless. This is a true associate award."

Working behind the scenes with AMC's Rodeo last year, Daniels was highly instrumental in making sure the 446th Airlift Wing's Rodeo team and aircraft were prepared, according to Steinbacher. Being the on-scene supervisor during the night shift, he was responsible for all the 446th Silver AMU aircraft on the flightline and assisted the 446th Blue Aircraft Maintenance Unit with aircraft maintenance when needed.

Daniels, reverts back to his technicians in making his job as a supervisor easier.

"Every day, they're launching aircraft for the War on Terror," said the air Reserve technician. "Every day, they're meeting the aircraft flying schedules. They always get the missions out on time. We work hard all night long in preparing the aircraft for the morning flyers."

Speaking of maintenance technicians, Akey embodies the qualities squadron leadership looks for in their Airmen, according to Senior Master Sgt. Cameron Pence, 446th Blue AMU superintendent.

"She has the raw ability to execute the mission and generate results," Pence said. "She also represents the professionalism we want in the unit. Her demeanor and approach to the military couple with her hard work and accomplishments, to make the type of person we look for. Essentially, we try to use the same approach of every nominee. People like her, who are very self contained and competent, possess the high-quality standard we hold in the squadron. In shorthand, she's just an awesome person."

The first-quarter Airman of the Quarter from 2011 credits her former supervisor, Master Sgt. Michael Silva, then the 446th AMXS aircraft electrical and environmental lead technician, with helping shape her into a better maintainer.

"Sergeant Silva was a very tough ART," said Akey, who lives in Gig Harbor. "But I didn't question it because I think he was trying to chisel me into a hardworking Airman- a female who has to compete with all the guys. I thank him for making me a better, stronger maintainer."

Silva explains why Akey stands out.

"Mailani has a great ability to pick things up on the go," said the now, 446th Maintenance Squadron Electrical and Environmental section chief. "She has a great ability to handle high-pressure situations well, which is critical to what we do. She was able to really hit the ground running, which is why she did so well when she deployed to (Southwest Asia)."

Pence doesn't question Silva's efforts either.

"Silva put a tremendous amount of energy in mentoring her," Pence said. "He saw potential in her and was more than willing to take her under his wing and develop her potential."

Silva envisions Akey's future with the squadron.

"I easily see her being a lead role model to her peers and eventually progressing into a senior NCO role," he said. "She's also expressed interest in going the officer route. I can see her easily making that transition as well."

PHOTO: Master Sgt. Jeffrey Daniels and Senior Airman Mailani Akey, both with the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, McChord Field, Wash., go over flightline expeditor logs during the Reserve weekend, April 1, 2012. Both maintainers won the Air Mobility Command Outstanding Reserve Associate Maintenance Award for 2012. Daniels earned his award in the supervisor category and Akey won hers as a technician. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle)