Comm flight members recognized for performance

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  Just as it was announced in late December that the 716th Communication Flight received best communication and information flight in 4th Air Force, February brought the announcement that two of its members were recognized as superior performers at the command level.

Senior Master Sgt. Bruce J. Koss of Charlotte and Staff Sgt. Aaron B. Walker of Deep Run, N.C. were named Air Force Reserve Command Communication and Information Award winners for their respective fields for 2005. Sergeant Koss is the flight’s communication computer superintendent and Sergeant Walker is a communication computer systems craftsman.

Sergeant Koss manages 36 personnel assigned to the flight and more than one million dollars in assets. In 2005, he helped re-organize the flight, obtaining two new Air Force Specialty Codes and restructuring several positions.

Sergeant Koss was implemental in building morale in the flight and fostering a better understanding of the flight’s mission throughout the wing. He supervised the design of a flight patch and created a public program for displaying awards and showcasing award recipients.

Sergeant Walker contributed to the flight’s mission by deploying to Al Udeid AB, Qatar in late 2005. In addition to this highly visible deployment he also supported the 514th Communication Flight at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. with training. At Al Udeid he single-handedly inventoried 2,500 pieces of equipment located throughout the base and served as a vehicle control officer, managing 75 vehicles assigned in the Middle East region.

Sergeant Walker not only volunteered his time and worked long hours in the communications flight, he also trained in vehicle operations, volunteering to work with the 4th Fighter Wing Transportation section during staffing shortages.

‘Every commander wants a unit full of motivated, eager to achieve, ready to accomplish the mission folks,” said Maj. James Horton, 716th CF commander. “They are motivated to do things correctly and completely. They don’t wait to be told, in most cases, not even asked to do something, they are already thinking of ideas to help. I am very proud of both of them and am glad they are on my team.”