Air traffic controller named Wing Airman of the Month Published June 6, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Senior Airman Jamal Perry, an air traffic controller with the 71st Operations Support Squadron, is the 71st Flying Training Wing Airman of the Month for May. "It felt good to be recognized," said Perry, from New Orleans. "I just do my job and do my best." Being an air traffic controller is a major responsibility in the Air Force. Young controllers in the Vance AFB tower regulate the flow of aircraft traffic at the busiest airport in the Air Force, according to recent figures. Perry says his favorite and most essential part of his job is training new controllers. "Lives are on the line every day here," said Perry, who enlisted in the Air Force in 2008. "I feel that it's important to respect the new controllers because one day you could be working next to them. You don't want to have any animosity toward people you rely on, especially when lives are at risk." "Airman Perry has been doing exceptionally well as a trainer and has become our most trustworthy mentor," said Staff Sgt. Laquetta Spann, the watch supervisor in the control tower. "The new Airmen all look up to him. They are receptive to the advice he gives, which is one of the qualities I look for in a trainer." Perry plans to stay in the Air Force but is considering trying to earn a commission and work in the computer science field. "Working with computers is something I really enjoy," said Perry. "But it will be a tough decision because I really like being in air traffic control." To be named the 71st FTW Airman of the Month, nominees must be selected to represent their squadron as Airman of the Month. They then face a board consisting of the previous month's Wing Airman of the Month, a junior NCO and a senior NCO. The candidates are judged on military bearing, dress and appearance while they are questioned on current events and military policy.