Tuskegee Airman of the Week: Sept. 13-19

Photo By Andria Allmond | Staff Sgt. Justin Barger, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control craftsman, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Sept. 13-19. One of Barger's distinctive accomplishments was coordinating the response to a recent aircraft accident and expediting the medical response to 12 personnel.  

BALAD, IRAQ

09.26.2009

Story by Senior Airman Andria Allmond  

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Justin Barger, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower watch supervisor, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Sept. 13-19.

"This award was well deserved," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander, who presented Barger with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters Sept. 25. "People like Sergeant Barger step up and continue the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. He represents what one would expect from a leader."

During a power outage in severe weather conditions, Barger led four people in an evacuation to an alternate control tower, without mission disruption. Also, he coordinated the response to a recent aircraft accident and expedited the medical response to 12 personnel involved in the incident.

"Without the hard work of the crew members and supervisors I work with, I wouldn't be able to rise to their level of excellence," said Barger. "To be part of the Tuskegee heritage and win this award alongside great JBB Airmen from the past is an honor.

"I'm extremely proud of the fact that I directly help support our Air Force mission worldwide. Every time an aircraft calls up for taxi, through take-off and then during landing -- I watch our mission unfold. "

A native of Plano, Texas, Barger volunteered four hours at Troy's Place, providing wingmanship to over 100 visitors. He also led a fit-to-fight campaign for four members of his squadron by developing training plans and running schedules, augmenting their participation in an upcoming 10-mile road race here.

"I feel the true heart of any warrior is in his or her selfless sacrifice," Barger said. "Any amount of volunteerism we do here at JBB will only improve us, and the impact on other Airmen is immeasurable."

Deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., the staff sergeant was nominated by Senior Master Sgt. Kurt Schmidtman, 332nd EOSS control tower chief controller.

"Sergeant Barger is an all-around grounded and solid [NCO in charge]," said Schmidtman. "He's extremely professional while under great stress."

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.

• Date Taken: 09.26.2009
• Date Posted: 09.26.2009 04:25
• Story ID: 39286
• Location: BALAD, IQ