Tuskegee Airman of the Week: Aug. 23-29

BALAD, IRAQ

09.04.2009

Story by Senior Airman Andria Allmond  

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Patrick Molbert of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Aug. 23-29.

"Airman Molbert is a very motivated Airman who is doing great things in the Air Force," said Col. David Lujan, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander, who presented Molbert with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters Sept. 4. "If you give him a job to do, you can be certain he'll get it done and get it done well."

"It's an honor to be serving at Joint Base Balad," said Molbert, a San Antonio, Texas, native. "The mission the 332th ESFG operates is unbelievable. Having a role in getting our Airmen outside the wire, providing them 24/7 support, makes me feel like I'm making a difference in this country."

A client system administrator, he spearheaded the installation of a MQ-1 Predator real-time video feed, acquiring the hardware from multiple organizations in-theater. He also processed 23 Army and 15 Air Force network outages, resolving the problems in less than 24 hours.

"I've had a lot of ups and downs in my career, but I've found it's amazing what can happen when you put your mind to it," said Molbert, who is serving a one-year tour at JBB. "I believe in the core values and try to set an example every day."

Deployed from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., he volunteered to proffer a wing promotion and awards ceremony. He also spends off-duty time serving at Troy's Place.

Molbert was nominated by his supervisor, 1st Lt. Travis Lytton, 332nd ESFG executive officer.

"He's one of the hardest-working Airmen I've ever had the privilege to supervise," said Lytton. "He constantly goes above and beyond to ensure that mission-critical assets are up and running 100 percent of the time. He's spent countless hours of his personal time fixing faulty equipment, always keeping a positive attitude. He's the perfect example of service before self."

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: 09.04.2009
• Date Posted: 09.07.2009 05:46
• Story ID: 38427
• Location: BALAD, IQ