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Mobility Airman named 'Warrior of the Week' at deployed base

  • Published
  • By 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Capt. Rich Martin, deployed to the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group at an undisclosed base here, was named the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing "Warrior of the Week" for the first week of December 2009 for multiple accomplishments during his deployment.

Deployed from Air Mobility Command's Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Captain Martin is a KC-10 Extender pilot and a standards and evaluation officer for his deployed unit. As a KC-10 aircraft commander he has flown 10 missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, offloading over one million pounds of fuel to over 60 aircraft.

Captain Martin also co-authored the "innovative" 380th AEW KC-10 First Pilot Air Refueling Program.  It's the first of its kind in the deployed theater of operations, and according to his award summary, enhanced "first pilot" experience and knowledge thus accelerating the KC-10 pilot upgrade process.

Through his deployed job, Captain Martin ensures compliance with all higher headquarter and local directives and guidance, as well as standards across four weapons systems he maintains. His diligence was lauded by a higher headquarters staff assistance visit as "best seen" in the deployed area of operations.

The captain has also spearheaded a group fitness program by implementing the pperations group commander's vision and creating user-friendly tracking program. His efforts promote a healthy lifestyle for more than 350 fellow deployed members.

When asked what he likes most about his current deployment, Captain Martin said, "I like the opportunity to work a little further back from the operations frontline. It's a nice change to see the different squadrons and functions that go into the interworking of a group. I also enjoy meeting new co-workers and a chance to explore local culture."

One of his goals for the deployment is to fly some more combat missions, which will in turn earn him an Air Medal with a silver oak leaf cluster -- an equivalent to 120 combat sorties.

He also has goals to update and consolidate standards and evaluations continuity binders and integrate home station programs like e-publications and Patriot Excalibur for deployed KC-10 aircrews. 

"In general, just maximize my availability and value to the squadrons," he said. 

Captain Martin may also finish up two masters degree classes in pursuit of an masters in business administration degree where he'll major in finance.

Most of all, he said he personally wants to "lose 10 to 15 pounds" and improve his fitness level.