WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Each year, the Air Force selects 12 Outstanding Airmen to be recognized for their distinguished accomplishments. The award recognizes enlisted service members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.
Tech. Sgt. Michael Asuncion Jr., formerly assigned to the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, as a pavement and equipment craftsman and currently assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing said, “It feels good to be able to represent the Air Force and my team at Patrick AFB and the ‘dirt boys.’”
Winners are selected to represent their section, then squadron, group, wing, numbered Air Force, major command and then finally the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.
“Winning Outstanding Airmen of the Year is not something I set out to do but it means the world to me,” Asuncion said. “My goal is to do my best in what I am tasked to do.”
Because of his drive and positive attitude, Asuncion’s accomplishments led him to six quarterly awards within his flights, which ultimately lead to the win of Heavy Equipment Shop Team of the Year. The win contributed to his squadron and operations flights being named the best in Air Force Space Command in 2015.
While earning the title of Outstanding Airmen of the Year is prestigious, he said he continues to set new goals, where he is now learning the ropes at his new position at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.
“I want to serve my squadron, group, and Minot AFB to the best of my abilities,” said Asuncion.
Asuncion was vital in the construction of the Royal Air Force’s 44,000-square-foot aircraft maintenance area, enabling coalition forces to obliterate more than 500 ISIS targets. He filled the noncommissioned officer in charge position across two work centers, leading 51 Airmen for 130 days, enabling 17 space launches with more than $6.3 billion in payload. He presided over two junior enlisted organizations, influencing more than 1,500 members across two areas of responsibilities. His leadership led to six quarterly awards within his flights, culminating in his team earning the Heavy Equipment Shop Team of the Year win. This contributed to his squadron and operations flights being named the best in Air Force Space Command in 2015.
From left to right: Lt. Gen. John Raymond, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations; Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lormand; Chief Master Sgt. Lamar Heard; Lt. Col. Jason Glynn; Tech. Sgt. Michael Asuncion Jr.; Rosemarie Asuncion; Tech. Sgt. Jayson Eddelman; Master Sgt. Leon Grier; Master Sgt. Sherrill Sinclair; Master Sgt. Lee Sinclair; Chief Master Sgt. Craig Neri, 14th AF Command Chief; and Maj. Gen. Timothy Green, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers.
Click here to see all of the recipients of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016.