WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Maj. Jason Vance, 87th Aerial Port Squadron readiness flight officer-in-charge, won the Air Force Reserve Command General Thomas P. Gerrity Award for outstanding contributions to logistics operations, management, business processes and the success of logistics operations worldwide. The announcement was made May 4, 2017.
Major Vance piloted the movement of 6,052 tons of cargo, 11,332 passengers and 793 missions, enhancing his unit’s mission success for Operations Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve during annual tours. He engineered a quarterly aerial port squadron training scenario that fostered a joint training environment with four wing agencies. Major Vance helped expedite 616 tons of Denton Program cargo, bridging a humanitarian effort and easing Haitian misery. He created monthly “Port Dawg Challenge” fit tests to help his Airmen. The major readied 70 members to provide critical support for the 82nd Airborne Division training, Haiti relief and supporting the Iraqi F-16 program, involving 411 missions and 5,300 passengers. His block training program slashed training time for more than 220 unit Airmen 50 percent, ensuring a 99 percent total force awareness training completion.
Major Vance founded a newcomer sponsor program for his squadron that resulted in the integration of 14 non-commissioned officers and 30 Airmen into the unit. This was a 10 percent increase in retention. He also developed a job safety training outlines process for the unit, enhancing Airmen safety awareness. The major directed a squadron security program where he developed a briefing schedule and streamlined 15 reinvestigation packages. His efforts made this wing program number one four years straight.