Integrated reservist selected as outstanding Airman of 2010

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
A 78th Reconnaissance Squadron Bushmaster was presented with an Air Force Reserve Command 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award during a ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., on April 14.

Staff Sergeant James McKeown, a senior mission intelligence coordinator, was selected in the airman category and recognized in front of his peers at the U.S. Air Force Reserve headquarters' annual banquet.

"This has been surreal, an experience like no other," Sergeant McKeown said. "Proudly representing the Air Force Reserve at this level, I feel honored that my hard work is being recognized."

"I'm grateful that I get to serve in the Air Force Reserve, fighting the war and enabling others to return home safely to their families," he said.

The OAY award acknowledges the top 12 enlisted personnel in AFRC for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

Through Total Force Integration, Sergeant McKeown works in the 42nd ATKS side by side Regular Air Force personnel, supporting MQ-9 Reaper aircraft operations on a daily basis. His responsibilities as a SMIC include providing watch over major ground operations and intelligence for anti-drug operations in the area of responsibility. Additionally, Sergeant McKeown assists Creech AFB's Wing Operations Center with their manning as an Intelligence Duty Officer.

"Engaged with his fellow warfighters and serving our Air Force nearly every day, Sergeant McKeown displays an aura of leadership and sense of duty I have not often seen" Lt. Col. Ron Stefanik, 926th Group deputy commander, said. "His Total Force brethren in the 42nd ATKS and the 78th RS follow his lead so naturally that he leaves an extremely distinct trail of positive impacts."

Sergeant McKeown also serves as the 42nd ATKS' standards and evaluation noncommissioned officer in charge, ensuring individuals uphold the base wing commander's standards.

His stellar track record has led to multiple awards during his time with the 78th RS. He was also recognized as Non-commissioned Officer of the Quarter for the 42nd Attack Squadron in 2009, the 926th Group's Airman of the Year for 2009, and 10th Air Force's 2009 Outstanding Airman of the Year in the airman category.

Before joining the Air Force Reserve in 2007, Sergeant McKeown served in the U.S. Coast Guard working in the fields of intelligence, law enforcement, drug interdiction and migrant interdiction. A well-rounded individual and team player, he also functions as the 42nd ATKS' primary motorcycle safety representative.

Sergeant McKeown goes on to compete at the Air Force level against Airmen from the service's major commands. The results are announced in Washington D.C. later this year at an annual convention hosted by the Air Force Association. The 12 selectees from across the Air Force are awarded the Outstanding Airman ribbon with the bronze service star device and wear the Outstanding Airman badge for one year. They also serve on the Air Force Enlisted Council for one year.

(Information collected from the Air Force Association website at www.afa.org.)