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Two Scott nominees compete April 30 for OAY

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chrisitie Putz
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Two NCOs from Scott are competing for Air Mobility Command's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year competition, which will be held April 30 here. They are Tech. Sgt. Manueal Herrera, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Master Sgt. Leonard Arsenault, 375th Security Forces Squadron.

Tech. Sgt. Manuel Herrera
375th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight NCOIC

On the Job:
· Led 251 missions, survived four attacks and captured 36 terrorists while deployed
· Captured 19 high-value terrorists while interrupting weapons flow into Northern Iraq
· Destroyed 23 improvised explosive devices and disarmed two
· Guided recovery and destruction of 4,683 enemy IED and other unexploded ordnances
· Collected counter IED intelligence by conducting 12 post-blast analysis
· Requested by name to protect U.S. President and 18 VIPs on 14-day Secret Service mission
· Directed the safe removal of 14 UXOs found by Iowa State Police
· Instructed 100 deploying warfighters on IED and UXO recognition

Off duty:
· Earned CCAF degree and Air Force Aid Pistsenbarger Award for scholastic performance
· Raised $3,000 by organizing Kirkuk Memorial Run and ran 5K in full bombsuit
· Developed and presented EOD mission brief for 91 Junior ROTC cadets at three schools

Recognition:
· Earned Bronze Star and Combat Action Medals
· Team Scott NCO of the Year
· USO Hero's Award
· 2008 AMC Civil Engineer Military Technician of the Year

Master Sgt. Leonard Arsenault
375th Security Forces Squadron
special project manager

On the Job:
· Deployed as one of 121 Air Force prison visitation detachment superintendents
· Discovered four thumb drives during a prisoner search, confirming link to Al-Qaida leader
· Led command and control during electrical fires and secured $50,000 for repairs
· Planned 125 tactical dismounted patrols and biometrically scanned 37,000 Iraqi visitors
· Orchestrated the capture of an escaped death row detainee
· Coordinated 270 secure detainee movements covering more than 3,000 miles
· Evacuated and sheltered Scott housing residents during an armed/barricade response
· Led a 45-day U.S. Army Detainee Operations course to provide critical deployed skills

Off duty:
· Served as deployed Top 3 President and chartered Airman's Council
· Raised $145,000 as leader of Scott Air Force Assistance Fund campaign
· Initiated deployed Hall of Heroes to honor 10 fallen warriors

Recognition:
· 586th Expeditionary Group Senior NCO of the Month
· Coined by Director of Security Forces for seamless transition
· 530th Military Police Battalion Hero of the Week