332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Senior Airman Andria Allmond

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Senior Airman Timothy Tanbonliong, of the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Oct. 18-24.

"When it comes to getting the bad guys, Tanbonliong plays a direct role in the fight," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander, who presented Airman Tanbonliong with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters Oct. 30. "Also, his volunteerism has had a far-reaching effect."

A theater airborne reconnaissance systems imagery analyst, Tanbonliong trained three fellow imagery analysts and familiarized his team members with mission-essential tactics, techniques and procedures. His efforts increased the unit's mission readiness by 40 percent.

He performed quality control for five missions, which included 215 targets and supported six U.S. and coalition forces operations. Also, he aided in identifying and fixing errors in the F-16 Fighting Falcon's imagery-obtaining hardware -- maintaining real-time capabilities vital to the mission.

"I feel very, very blessed to be nominated by my peers and represent the Tuskegee heritage," said Tanbonliong, a native of Chicago. "All of us here, right now, are a part of history."

Deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Tanbonliong volunteered more than 20 hours at Troy's Place, with JBB Kids of Iraq and at the recent Redtail 5/6 talent show.

"Daily, I witness many (servicemembers) volunteering here," said Airman Tanbonliong. "I believe (they) do it, not for recognition, but because they know it's the right thing to do."

Taking advantage of his education benefits, Tanbonliong devotes ten hours per week towards attaining his master's degree in psychology, currently performing with a 3.7 grade-point average. He also serves as his flight's physical training leader.

Tanbonliong was nominated by his supervisor, Master Sgt. David Xavier, 332nd EOSS TARS section NCO in charge.

"Airman Tanbonliong leads by example," said Xavier. "He has a strong work ethic and is purpose-driven, which can be seen in his quality of work and volunteerism. These attributes are essential in providing accurate and timely intelligence to the warfighter in-theater."


The 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week is open to Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5, and is selected based on an Airman's on- and off-duty accomplishments.

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