12 OAY receives F-16 flight

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Master Sgt. Stephen Hunter, 944th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technican, took to the skies over Arizona Sept. 9 during an F-16 incentive flight flown by Col. Michael Popovich, 944th Fighter Wing commander.

Sergeant Hunter has been selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2010 and is the only Air Force Reserve Command recipient this year.

This award recognizes 12 outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. AFA honors the 12 Outstanding Airmen at its annual convention in Washington, D.C. The program was initiated at the Air Force Association's 10th annual national Conference, held in New Orleans in 1956.

Sergeant Hunter completed 107 combat missions, destroyed 29 improvised explosive devices and cleared 3,000 kilometers of critical supply routes while on his second 6 month short-notice mobilization to Balad Air Base, Iraq.

He also trained seven regular Air Force counterparts and certified explosive ordnance disposal technicians on vital range tasks and critical war skills. Sergeant Hunter swept over 70,000 acres of Goldwater Range where he disposed of more than 4,000 unexploded ordnances and recycled 548 tons of scrap metal. He also developed an inventory system which achieved 100% accountability and doubled user productivity.

The 12 Outstanding Airmen are awarded the Outstanding Airman ribbon with the bronze service star device and wear the Outstanding Airman badge for one year. They also serve on the Air Force Enlisted Council for one year.