JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Mena Boktor of the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Feb. 28- March 6.
"I am very proud and thankful for what Airman Boktor does," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander. "He is pivotal to the mission, and I am proud to have him in our Air Force."
After congratulating the new winner in front of wing leadership, General Franklin presented Airman Boktor with the award and a commander's coin at the wing headquarters March 11.
Airman Boktor, an MQ-1B Sensor Operator, helped stabilize Iraq as he launched 21 MQ-1B missions, which resulted in 314 hours of full motion video. His work was pivotal to a weapons cache capture and identifying of a high value individual.
The Santa Monica, Calif., native also flew 12 hours of residual base defense and over watch of 14 election sites during the Iraqi elections.
"I honestly never expected to be nominated for this award," said Airman Boktor. "My purpose of going 'above and beyond' was not intended to win an award, but to take advantage of time and better myself. There are many superb and deserving Airmen here at JBB. Winning this award is truly an honor."
Among his accomplishments, Airman Boktor was a key player during a severe weather recall. He performed a priority landing sequence in which four aircraft worth $16.8 million landed safely.
Airman Boktor, deployed from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., completed two college exams despite operations tempo and fulfilled required credits towards his Community College of the Air Force degree.
Airman Boktor was nominated by his superintendent, Master Sgt. James Howard, 46 ERS Superintendent.
"Airman Boktor consistently does what is asked of him and has taken the initiative to learn other duties to help out his fellow Airman," said Sergeant Howard. "He has impressed me not only with his dedication and determination to completing our mission safely and on-time each day, but his eagerness and willingness to help out his fellow Airman while taking on more responsibility. While putting in long hours at work, he's remained focused on his education and his goal of completing his Bachelors degree. Mena has been a pleasure to have on our team, and he's a fine example for others to follow."
Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5 are eligible to become the 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week, based on accomplishments on- and off-duty.
Subscribe
