Medical technician named March Airman of the Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A 71st Medical Support Squadron staff technician is the 71st Flying Training Wing Airman of the Month for March.

Airman 1st Class Austin Wilson was selected by 71st Flying Training Wing group superintendents for his work performance and merit as an Air Force member.

An announcement was played over the public address system in the Vance Clinic Feb. 19 to invite staff members to attend an award presentation taking place in the main lobby.

"That's actually when I knew for sure I won the award," said Wilson, a Peculiar, Missouri, native. "I knew because someone had accidently courtesy copied me on an email discussing the award. But, I was thrilled."

Col. Clark Quinn, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, presented Wilson with the award and one of his coins. Wilson then spoke with Quinn and the base command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Peter Speen, in private.

"Wilson is the type of Airman who you don't have to ask to do anything, mostly because he's already done it," said Staff Sgt. Ruby Ankner, Wilson's supervisor and the 71st MDSS NCO in-charge of command support. "He knows what needs to be done, and when he's finished, he seeks out more."

It is Wilson's job to edit enlisted and officer performance reports and local Air Force instructions and in-process new Team Vance Airmen.

"I really enjoy the organization aspect of what I do," said Wilson, who arrived here in September 2014. "I'm working on creating a checklist now to ensure better workplace continuity for when I eventually rotate out."

Wilson is a records manager by training and was given this position when he arrived to expand his experience in the workplace.

"I've had to learn everything about this job on the fly," said Wilson. "I actually like it."

For his selection as Airman of the Month Wilson will spend a day shadowing Speen. They will start their day with physical training and end the day with a pilot training graduation dinner.

Wilson hopes to retire from the military someday as an officer.