Little Rock Airman earns Tuskegee Airmen award

Published Aug. 3, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- A Little Rock Airman from the 48th Airlift Squadron was recognized July 28 by the Tuskegee Airmen for his excellence in professional and community service.

Maj. James O'Brien, 48th AS scheduling flight commander, earned the Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Military Award in the Field Grade Officer category. He was presented the award during the 39th annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

"I'm very honored to even be considered (for this award)," said Major O'Brien.

As the scheduling flight commander, Major O'Brien programs and tailors flying schedules to meet student/instructor requirements while managing a 4,656-hour flying hour program. He instructs combat mission planning, tactical formation, night vision goggle airdrop/airland procedures for Air Force, joint and allied students.

Major O'Brien selflessly gave back to his community, spearheading the Combined Federal Campaign for the 19th Operations Group and raising $249,000. He also acted as team leader for the American Lung Association Stair Climb event, raising more than $500 toward research programs.

The major credits the award to his teammates and coworkers.

"[This award] is really a reflection of all the people I work and fly with," said Major O'Brien. "Everything I've done hasn't been by myself; it's always a team effort. Everyone I've worked with has been strong and dedicated to doing their job well."

Major O'Brien also credits his mentors throughout the years for shaping him into who he is today.

"I've had a lot of great mentors starting with my parents and my family," the major said. Drawing inspiration from mentors from the Air Force Academy and his strong Christian beliefs, Major O'Brien said he has been "very fortunate to have those people to look up to and take me under their wing."

Major O'Brien excelled in education as well, completing a Master of Business Administration degree with a 3.9 grade point average despite having to juggle deployments and squadron duties.

The major believes the award speaks of Team Little Rock as a whole.

"This is a reflection of Team Little Rock and the C-130 community in general," said Major O'Brien. "Whether we are fund-raising through the CFC, doing community projects such as outreach programs to local hospitals, going on deployments (every squadron always has someone deployed) and making the mission happen or training ... all those things are recognized by this award."

Earning the Air Force-level award sparked pride in Major O'Brien's leaders.

"Major O'Brien's commitment to the Air Force core values and professionalism as a combat airlifter were recognized as continuing the character and service of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen," said Col. C.K. Hyde, 314th Airlift Wing commander. "I can think of no better association or honor."

Like many Airmen, the major is familiar with the Tuskegee Airmen, what they stood for and is proud to be recognized by them.

"The Tuskegee Airmen were the epitome of Airman and officership," he said. "Their dedication to country was unquestionable as well as the pride they had in their work. If we could work toward half of their work ethic and dedication, then we would be that much better off in serving this country."

Major O'Brien had the honor of meeting members of the original Tuskegee Airmen earlier in his Air Force career.

"Several of them made the trip out to Balad Air Base, Iraq, a few years ago while I was deployed and also to Maxwell AFB where I was attending squadron officer school," he said. "There was a long line to get in there (to meet them) but it was well worth the wait.

"At the time, I held them in such high esteem. And now, several years later, to be recognized by their organization is such a huge honor," Major O'Brien added.

Major O'Brien believes all Airmen should work toward high goals and not toward earning awards.

"Believe what you're doing, enjoy what you're doing and work hard at whatever task you've taken on and really try to work as team," said Major O'Brien. "In the end you'll have satisfaction from that no matter how it turns out. If you earn recognition along the way, that's just a bonus, but shooting for individual recognition is not the answer to why you serve.

"If you set out to do what's right, then you always come out on top as well as the organization."