Mountain Home Airman receives Air Combat Command award
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton, 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published September 19, 2011
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --
An Airman here received Air Combat Command's Outstanding Armament Systems Technician Award, Sept. 7, for identifying a specific munitions fuse flaw.
Staff Sgt. Brian Vetter, assigned to the 366th Maintenance Operations Squadron as a standardization lead crew 3 member, was recognized for his attention to detail after spotting a defective fuse position which could have lead to munitions not working properly.
He noticed the flaw while participating in the Combat Ammunition Production Exercise June 6-10 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
The purpose of the OAST award is to increase morale, inspire excellence and recognize superior performers throughout the ACC.
"I am honored to receive this prestigious award," said Vetter. "I am glad I was at the CAPEX and was able to catch the flaw in the fuse. I made sure it was corrected as soon as possible so the rest of the munitions didn't have to be sent back for corrections."
Munitions are inspected during the entirety of the loading process. However, live ordnance was not loaded at the CAPEX as the exercise was more for evaluating each team's ability to build enough munitions on time, and the Airmen's ability to accurately accept munitions and maintain accountability of ordnance.
During his military career, Vetter has earned many awards including Maintenance Professional of the Quarter, Outstanding Armament Systems Technician and Airman Leadership School Distinguished Graduate.
"This Air Combat Command award, which Staff Sgt. Vetter earned, recognizes excellence and is a perfect example of how Gunfighters from the 366th Maintenance Group are doing an outstanding job each and every day," said Col. James McClellan, 366th MXG.
Daily duties for Vetter include inspecting all 28 different munitions here for defects, driving the MHU-83 Jammer and keeping the training up to date for the flight line munitions handlers.
According to his award citation, Vetter displayed excellence in his primary and additional duties as well as performed significant improvements to operations, processes and other maintenance related accomplishments.
"I feel this award is very well warranted," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Stirewalt, 366th MXG wing weapons manager. "Staff Sgt. Vetter was picked to train all weapons load crews on their wartime skills throughout the wing. This is a big deal and is a testament to his integrity and professionalism."