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375th OSS employee earns Air Mobility Command-level award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian J. Valencia
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Cheryll Black, 375th Operations Support Squadron, was recently named the Air Mobility Command Airfield Management Journeyman Civilian Technician of the Year for her contributions during 2010.

Ms. Black is a shift leader responsible for Scott's $300 million airfield as well as $200 million in associated assets. She performed over 900 airfield inspections and led airfield management in the facilitation of 1,100 distinguished visits and 50 fallen warrior missions. She also assisted with flight planning support for 500 medical evacuation missions securing the efficient transfer of 4,000 patients.

"This award shows all that is encompassed in the daily work of this job," said Ms. Black. "But it's more than just me, we all come together as a team to complete the mission, you can't do it by yourself."

In addition to her duties as a shift leader, she has the responsibility of training 14 people in airfield management and performing duties as the squadron training manager.

"You have to keep everyone trained and ready," said Ms. Black. "Everyone needs to be trained to do their daily job and be ready to deploy."

As the squadron training manager she keeps records up to date for more than 100 people. She conducted staff assisted visits for eight flights, identifying deficiencies in flight training programs and training records. She brought her squadron to a 95 percent compliance rate for bystander intervention training one year ahead of wing requirements.

Her efforts not only garnered her the award, but helped lead to the 2010 Air Traffic Systems Evaluation rating of "Excellent" for the flight training program.

"Training is the most important thing I do," said Ms. Black. "You have to prepare people for the next step and enable them to progress in their career."

Before serving as a civilian Ms. Black spent 25 years as an active duty member in airfield management. From the beginning she has shown capabilities as a leader. In 1992 she took the initiative to build the Airfield Management technical training school.

"We had to give Airman a chance to learn the career field before moving onto an operational base, said Ms. Black. "Airmen now are lucky; they have a chance to grow before taking on the job at hand."

Now as a civilian she continues to exemplify the qualities of a leader.

"I've always enjoyed this job, especially being able to train and prepare our future Airmen."