Tuskegee Airman of the Week: Dec. 20-26

Photo By Airman 1st Class Allison Boehm | Airman 1st Class Daniel Dayton of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Dec. 20-26. Among his accomplishments, Dayton located the point of impact of unexploded ordnance and evacuated and cordoned the area for the explosive ordnance disposal team.  

BALAD, IRAQ

01.04.2010

Story by Airman 1st Class Allison Boehm 

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Daniel Dayton of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Dec. 20-26.

"Airman Dayton has clearly stood out among his peers," said Col. Luke Grossman, 332nd AEW vice commander. "His competency on the job, his morale and his sharp eye while on patrol has kept us out of danger."

After congratulating the new winner in front of wing leadership, Grossman presented Dayton with the award and a commander's coin at the wing headquarters, Dec. 31.

Dayton was the first responder to four indirect-fire attacks. He located the point of impact of unexploded ordnance and evacuated and cordoned the area for the explosive ordnance disposal team.

Dayton, who is serving on his first deployment, also responded to two in-flight emergencies, a vehicle fire, and a suspicious package. In an illegal inhalants investigation, he seized 17 pieces of evidence.

"It feels good knowing that I can go to work and do my job to the best of my ability and be recognized for it," said Dayton. "Just going to work and having people thank me for what I do really means a lot."

Dayton, deployed here from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., also volunteered off-duty time to the American Red Cross.

Dayton was nominated by his supervisor, Staff Sgt. David Hasseler, 332nd ESFS installation patrolman.

"Airman Dayton knows and performs his duties better than his peers," said Hasseler. "He volunteers his off duty time without hesitation, and his humble yet professional posture creates a pleasant working environment, whether we are performing physical training or responding to an IDF attack during alarm red."

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.

• Date Taken: 01.04.2010
• Date Posted: 01.04.2010 00:37
• Story ID: 43421
• Location: BALAD, IQ