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Team Scott member selected for 12 OAY

  • Published
  • By Samantha Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Scott Air Force Base, Ill. --  Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Jones, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent, was recently selected as one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

"I am honored and blessed beyond words," said Jones. "The past 21 months here at Scott has been an amazing and rewarding ride."

An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.

"This is the perfect recognition for an Airman who consistently puts his troops at the forefront," said Lt. Col. John Schuliger, 375th CES commander. "His efforts help our squadron 'Lead the Way' across the base."

Lt. Col. Craig Johnson, the previous commander for the 375th CES, also feels Jones was the perfect choice for the award.

"Jones is an amazingly balanced engineer who leads from the front and has an outstanding work ethic and passion for his Airmen. He lays out tough expectations for his Airmen and helps them achieve," he said.

Jones, a native of Shreveport, La., is no stranger to recognition for his hard work. He was named the 2010 AMC Chief Master Sgt. Larry Daniels Best Military Superintendent, received the Chief Master Sgt. Fred Archer Military Leadership Award and was named the top Team Scott Senior NCO for the first quarter.

Throughout the year, Jones played a key role in many important projects for both the 375th CES and the 375th Air Mobility Wing. He helped lead a team of active duty and Reserve personnel in a Total Force Integration effort to renovate the temporary lodging facilities on base saving the Air Force $2 million by keeping the project in house rather than contracting out. He also played a key role in the snow removal effort throughout the winter season keeping both the runways and roadways clear.

Furthermore, Jones assisted in the overhaul of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal proficiency range to comply with standards in preparation for the Logistics Compliance Assessment Program, or LCAP, inspection helping earn an "Outstanding" rating for the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Even with an extremely busy work schedule, Jones still finds time to volunteer. Within his squadron, he created an Enlisted Performance Report writing class to help NCOs learn to properly write an EPR. In the local community, he has helped youth from the St. Clair Detention Center learn how to properly take part in job interviews and also mentored local fifth grade students on the importance of education and setting life goals.

"I didn't do this by myself," Jones said. "The members of the 375th CES are the true train to success, and I always thank them for letting me ride on that train. I know everything that has happened to me is because of their hard work."

Air Force Association officials will honor the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year in September during the Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington.