By Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mills
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier was named 2007 Army Aviation Association of America Air Traffic Control Manager of the Year.
Staff Sgt. Verle Tilton, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, was notified of the award Jan. 8 for his work as the ATC manager at Liberty Pad, Baghdad.
Each year AAAA recognizes outstanding achievement in several areas of Army aviation including functional areas like logistics, maintenance and air traffic control.
Tilton's recognition was no surprise to his leaders in Company F who witnessed him improve standing operating procedures, oversee lighting improvements and the installation of a new ATC tower and effectively coordinate with various agencies in Camp Liberty for clearance of airspace.
Capt. Kristopher Lewis, commander of Company F, said he was happy they were able to recognize and give credit to the outstanding job Tilton has accomplished during his deployment to Iraq.
"Staff Sergeant Tilton's commitment to standards and discipline has led to safe operations so the ground commanders are able to use and rely on Army aviation as an invaluable combat multiplier," Lewis said.
Tilton's job as ATC manager includes facility operations, quality assurance, training Soldiers and rating standards.
"We're basically responsible for controlling aircraft in a safe, orderly and expeditious manner," said Tilton, who hails from Beaufort, S.C. "Other than that it's working to help improve the tower itself and working with everyone."
That "everyone" includes local artillery units, unmanned aerial system controllers, explosive ordnance disposal ranges and multiple aviation units to clear airspace for approaching and departing aircraft.
Tilton said the award is as much a testament to the Soldiers he works with at Company F as it is to anything he's done.
"A leader is only as strong as his Soldiers," Tilton said.
Tilton has been invited to receive the award during the AAAA Aviation Center Chapter Banquet Jan. 31 at Fort Rucker, Ala.
Date Taken: | 01.12.2008 |
Date Posted: | 01.14.2008 14:24 |
Story ID: | 15435 |
Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
Web Views: | 111 |
Downloads: | 35 |
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