NCO from AMC's 618th TACC nominated for AFSA's top honor

Published Aug. 21, 2009
By Capt. Justin Brockhoff
618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- A non-commissioned officer from the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center has been nominated for the Air Force Sergeant Association International NCO of the Year Award, according to 618th TACC officials.

Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Love, from the 618th TACC's Mobility Management Directorate, was nominated for the honor from a pool of thousands of eligible NCOs in AFSA District 8, which covers all of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, according to the AFSA web site.

In order to be eligible for the award, military units nominate their most outstanding NCO from an extensive array of career fields. Each AFSA division then selects one NCO who best represents the superb technical skills, the development and guidance of other Airmen, and strong commitment that embodies their division. Once a selection is made, that person is named the district NCO of the Year and his or her name is put forward for the international-level award.

"I can't think of a person more deserving of this nomination than Sergeant Love," said Mr. Steve Jones, Director of the 618th TACC's Mobility Management Directorate. "His drive day-in and day-out to get the job done is unmatched and his dedication is among the best I've seen in my 35-years with the Air Force. He's the epitome of what it means to be an NCO."

Sergeant Love's accomplishments throughout the award period from Jan. 1, 2008, to Dec. 31, 2008, include serving as a flight NCO in charge and examiner while assigned to the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and allocating thousands of sorties to AMC refueling aircraft while assigned to the 618th TACC.

"To me, being an NCO means more than just adhering to our core values and doing a job. An NCO is one that leads by example and finds ways to make our processes better," said Sergeant Love, an in-flight refueling specialist now serving as a tanker allocation director for AMC's tanker fleet. "Whether it's an Airman, fellow NCO, or officer, an NCO is an individual that can always be counted on to get the job done and ensure the people are being cared for in the process."

Aside from home-station accomplishments, Sergeant Love also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom during his career, serving as the NCO in charge of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. In true NCO-form passed his lessons-learned on to more than 20 other boom operators at his home station by creating a pre-deployment training program.

"I've always enjoyed helping others find ways to do better or improve a process," said Sergeant Love.

In addition to his on-duty accomplishments, Sergeant Love earned his associates degree in aviation operations from the Community College of the Air Force, and is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also credited with helping raise more than $51,000 for the Combined Federal Campaign, a federal government program that provides funding and support for non-profit organizations throughout the world.

Among the many accomplishments Sergeant Love can claim, his favorite personal accomplishment over the past year was when his wife, Laura, gave birth to their first child, Isabella. He credits his most memorable on-duty accomplishment to being named one of 12 Airlift/Tanker Association's Young Leaders of the Year in 2008.

"With all of talented individuals doing great things out there, I was quite surprised just to be named the chapter winner, let alone represent the division and be able to compete for the international award," said Sergeant Love. "It's an honor to serve, and an honor to be nominated."