Communications technician named September Airman of the Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank John Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airman 1st Class Zachary Krotzer, an airfield systems technician with the 71st Communications Squadron, from Princeton, Minn., was named Airman of the Month for September for his performance on and off duty.

"He has been doing an excellent job at work and volunteers when he's not on duty," said Tech. Sgt. Quentin Bruhn, a supervisor with the 71st CS. "He is an excellent example of an Airman and has well-rounded capabilities."

Krotzer met a board consisting of an NCO, senior NCO and an Airman, who asked him various questions about current events. One of the questions asked was his opinion on the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

"I felt that it was a great move and the Air Force handled it appropriately," said Krotzer. "To me, it didn't make sense to have competent military members forced to hide their sexual orientation for fear of being separated from the military, regardless of their capabilities as Airmen. That's what it should really be about, the caliber of their service.

Krotzer was surprised when he found out he was selected for AOM. "I never win things like this, it felt awesome," he said.

Krotzer has been a member of Team Vance for seven months and said he joined the Air Force to serve his country, get an education and enjoy the benefit of job security.