58 SOW NCO receives AETC Sijan award

  • Published
  • By Stefan Bocchino
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  Tech. Sgt. Jason N. Davis, 58th Special Operations Wing command chief executive assistant, was recently named the Air Education and Training Command Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award recipient for 2012.

According to the nomination, Davis distinguished himself as the command chief executive assistant, as well as an HH-60G instructor aerial gunner with the 512th Rescue Squadron. He led AETC's flying training squadrons with more than 160 hours of instruction that contributed to the graduation of 24 aerial gunners. His leadership was a catalyst in spearheading a fitness improvement program that increased the fitness level of squadron Airmen.

"I knew I had been nominated for the award at the wing level, but I didn't think there was any chance to win," said Davis. "It took me by surprise. Chief Smith came out and congratulated me on winning. It kind of took my breath away."

Davis works for Chief Master Sgt. Greg Smith, 58 SOW command chief.

"Tech. Sgt. Davis epitomizes the term 'professional'," said Smith. "He has balanced two jobs, as well as time for his family, school and physical fitness. This is a great honor for him and I couldn't be more proud."

Davis credits his success to having good supervisors and working as hard as possible.

"Some advice I received was to never pass up an opportunity to learn something someone is willing to teach you," said Davis. "Being an instructor and helping others feels good. We're training aircrew here who will be going downrange on missions within a few months of graduating."

Smith said that having a major command-level award winner represents the important role the wing plays in training the world's best aviators. He said it also shows that there are opportunities to make a difference at the 58 SOW.

The next step in the process is for Davis to compete for the award at the Air Force level.

"His chances are excellent at the Air Force level," said Smith. "More importantly, I feel he's already a winner and has a bright future in our great Air Force. Jason continues to lead and make our service better."