Photo By Master Sgt. Mike Smith | Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenny Walker, a tactical air control party airman from the...... read more read more
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ARLINGTON, Va. – A Washington Air National Guard member has been selected as one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2010, according to the Air Force Personnel Center.
Staff Sgt. Kenny Walker from the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron was selected from a group of 36 nominees, who represented all Air Force major commands, direct reporting units, field agencies and air staff agencies.
The combat-seasoned tactical air control party member said he felt "highly honored" by the recognition.
"I never thought it would go as far as it has," he said. "There are just so many other people who deserve an honor like this."
Walker pointed out that he comes from a quiet group of combat professionals, who "shoot their guns in the same direction" he does.
"Any of them could be in my position," he said.
TACPs provide close air support coordination for joint Special Forces and Army units on the battlefield, among other missions.
"A lot of our missions are not recognized by the Air Force, because we are attached to the Army, and that's who we work with," he said. "Our recognition normally comes from the Army. It's good to see the Air Force doing that."
In his most recent deployment in northeastern Afghanistan, Walker embedded with the Army's 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. His three Air Force TACP teams supported the regiment's four companies.
"I was engaged in several missions, on the northeastern part of Afghanistan around the Pakistani border in the Korengal valley," he said.
His service there earned him an Army Commendation Medal with Valor device "for his successful efforts to save American lives under fire."
Walker's other accomplishments include his pursuit of two masters degrees, his volunteer work through his church, and his full-time work as a youth correction officer.
With 12 year's service, Walker first joined the Air Force in 1998. He served four overseas deployments with the 9th Bomber Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. He then left active duty to complete an undergraduate degree.
A few years later, Walker began training with the Washington Army Guard's 19th Special Forces Group then transferred to his current Air Guard squadron.
"I decided that the Air Force was where I needed to go," he said.
With such an active career, Walker admitted he is a type-A personality.
"I have to be always doing something," he said.
His current duties as a flight supervisor involve regular deployments and temporary duty trips.
Walker traveled to Washington in June to accompany Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air Guard, to a congressional subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill.
"I spoke with some congressmen, who recognized me as a combat veteran," he said. "That was very humbling."
Walker said he hopes to use his recognition to promote battlefield Airmen as well as address their needs with those who would listen. He agreed that the title imparts him to do that.
He gives credit to those around him for his successes, including the support he receives from his wife and four children, his family and friends.
"We need all of that to support this effort in Afghanistan as well as in Iraq," he said.
Walker will serve additional duties in the coming year, for the Air Force Association Enlisted Advisory Council, to help in quality of life and service issues. He will also serve as a goodwill ambassador for the Air Guard and the Air Force.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2010 10:28 |
| Story ID: | 53934 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 84 |
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