Reservist receives top honors in maintenance career field

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  An aircraft maintenance professional assigned to the 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received the 2009 10th Air Force (Air Force Reserve Command) Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Maintenance Award Feb. 6 for his outstanding service as part of the Total Force Integration initiative here.

Tech. Sgt. Raymond Oliveros, a dedicated crew chief integrated into the Eagle Aircraft Maintenance Unit, earned the award by beating and sustaining Air Combat Command's mission capable rate standard, providing support to more than 100 flag exercise units from eight countries, and helping Nellis AFB become the Air Force's operational test and evaluation leader in maintenance, among many other accomplishments.

"Sergeant Oliveros' work ethic is second to none," said Maj. Michael Egbalic, 926th AMXS commander. "He is a phenomenal maintainer and an awesome representative of the Air Force Reserve."

Sergeant Oliveros began his Air Force career in 1995 after immigrating to the United States from the Philippines. His first assignment was in security forces at McClellan Air Force Base, Calif., where he received a below-the-zone promotion and was awarded Airman of the Year. He was also naturalized as an American citizen during his first-term enlistment.

Since leaving McClellan AFB, Sergeant Oliveros' career has been dedicated to the mission at Nellis AFB. In 1998 he cross trained into aircraft maintenance and worked in the 57th Equipment Maintenance and 57th Aircraft Maintenance squadrons here.

After serving 10 years in the Regular Air Force, Sergeant Oliveros joined the 926th AMXS, a classic associate unit with the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, where he currently works alongside RegAF and Guard personnel.

"It has been a childhood dream of mine to be an aircraft mechanic," Sergeant Oliveros said. "I feel it's a privilege to be able to maintain these aircraft, but more of an honor to be recognized by your superiors."

TFI is a 2002 initiative joining all components--Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Civil Service--to provide unparalleled airpower toward a common mission.

The 926th AMXS is made up of 170 aircraft maintenance personnel integrated throughout the RegAF's maintenance units. Through TFI, Reserve maintainers provide additional expertise and continuity to the RegAF force.

Recipients of the numbered Air Force award go on to compete at the AFRC level.