Weather NCO earns AETC Pierce award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lynne Neveu
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Tech. Sgt. Gary Rann was recently selected as the Air Education and Training Command Weather NCO of the Year, known as the Pierce Award.
"It is an honor to have been selected for this award," Sergeant Rann said. "I enjoy my job here, and it's humbling to be recognized by not only the command but my unit leadership."
As a weather forecaster for the 71st Operation Support Squadron Weather Flight, Sergeant Rann plays a vital part in the joint undergraduate pilot training mission here. He promoted Internet-based weather briefings to the flying units, saving 10 man-hours a week, as well as providing an accurate long-term adverse weather forecast that resulted in the timely deployment of more than 20 crews.
"Sergeant Rann is the technical sergeant every commander wants to have around," said Capt. Jason King, 71st OSS weather flight commander. "He does it all."
In 2004, Sergeant Rann was one of four weather radar managers Air Force wide to be selected to participate in a Next Generation Radar usage study, Capt King said.
"The results of the study were reported to the Air Force director of weather, resulting in Air Force storm analysis improving by 20 percent," he said.
Sergeant Rann is not only a stand out as a weather professional, but as an Airman. During Operation Cookie Cutter, Sergeant Rann was a key player in baking and sending cookies to U.S. troops in Iraq.
"As a direct result of Sergeant Rann's efforts during Operation Cookie Cutter, deployed troop's morale soared," said Lt. Col. Lawrence Reed, 71st OSS commander.
The local community also benefits from Sergeant Rann's efforts.
He helped clear and prepare three acres of woodland for a Boy Scout campsite, giving the children a new facility to hold activities in. Additionally, Sergeant Rann gathered and delivered Christmas gifts to disadvantaged area children as part of the Toys for Tots program, Captain King said.
"Sergeant Rann's selfless attitude and dedication to his job make him an asset to the 71st OSS Weather Flight," Captain King said.
Sergeant Rann now competes at Air Force-level.