WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing is proud to announce the following Airmen as the first quarter CY 18 award winner.
Airman of the Quarter
Senior Airman Kirk Laytart, 87th Aerial Port Squadron, is the 445th Airlift Wing Airman of the Quarter, first quarter. Airman Laytart was selected as the global asset recovery tool manager recovering nearly 5,000 pallets, nets, chains and straps, protecting $10 million in Air Force assets. Volunteered to support the Greenland Polar training and processed 31 tons of cargo and 63 passengers enabling seasonal closure of the National Science Foundation research operations. Laytart processed 270 pounds of regulated international garbage on seven missions. He served more than 200 hours as a volunteer fire fighter/emergency medical technician. He was a first responder to a deadly motorcycle crash, initiating lifesaving procedures. The sergeant earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in leadership organization and is 93 percent completion toward his Community College of the Air Force degree.
NCO of the Quarter
Tech. Sgt. Joshua McConnell, 445th Security Forces Squadron, is the 445th Airlift Wing NCO of the Quarter, first quarter. Sergeant McConnell ensured 100 percent accountability for more than $2 million in firearms, munitions and critical equipment. He spearheaded heavy weapon’s training for 40 personnel with zero safety incidents and 100 percent student qualification rates. Responded to an active shooter incident at Kentucky University capturing the suspect and preserving life. Successfully led the implementation of the 445th SFS armory and established an alternate armory for host unit surpassing Air Force requirements while saving $124,000. The sergeant enhanced his career in security forces by completing an 80 hour FBI low-light pistol instructor course and an 80 hour homicide investigator instructor course. He also serves as an instructor for the 445th Development Training Flight.
Senior NCO of the Quarter
Senior Master Sgt. Christian Oliver, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron, is the 445th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter, first quarter. He supported more than 2,000 vehicles at Kadena Air Base, Japan valued at $69 million. He overhauled the vehicle maintenance flight mission and launched $90,000 worth of tools and equipment during the unfunded requirement process. Oliver analyzed 164 career field education and training plan tasks and initiated 63 lesson plans resulting in a 92 percent reduction in waiting time for upgrade training for his Airmen. During his off-duty time, Oliver contributed his time, knowledge and skills with his local community center where he conducted free repairs on the facility and its equipment. He created and re-designed underwater technology for archaeology research, assisting with the recovery of $50 million in Spanish artifacts.
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
First Lieutenant Carol Read-Arce, 445th Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintenance officer, is the 445th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, first quarter. Lieutenant Read-Arce drove the Home Station Check transition from 120 to 180 days, reducing man hours and raising efficiency. She led the aerospace ground equipment corrosion control program and initiated the recoat process, saving the Air Force two years and more than $250,000 in replacement parts. Read-Arce dedicated 20 hours serving meals to homeless families for the “Family Promise of Butler County” program. She worked with the first sergeants and outside agencies to deliver emergency necessities to military families in crisis. The lieutenant completed Harvard Business School leadership courses and completed her Level 1 Federal Acquisition Certification through Defense Acquisition University.