Tower controller named Airman of the Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 71st Flying Training Wing Airman of the Month for December is Airman 1st Class Dustin Brannan, an air traffic controller with the 71st Operations Support Squadron.

This was Brannan's first time meeting an Airman of the Month Board in the nine months he has been at Vance.

Despite a late notification that he would be meeting the board, Brannan and his leadership team managed to get some solid prep work in.

"I reviewed Air Force Instructions over the long weekend," said Brannan. "We also did a mock board, which really helped me. I really appreciate what everyone did to help me."

Brannan had no clue he was selected until the command chief and wing commander made an appearance in the air traffic control tower where Brannan works.

"Initially I thought I should probably get out of the way," said Brannan. "But when I tried to leave I was told to stay. That's when I knew I was selected by the board."

As an air traffic controller in the control tower, Brannan ensures pilots land and take off safely.

"Brannan continuously operates above his grade," said Senior Master Sgt. Tracy Breitenkamp, the tower chief controller. "He's earned his 5-level already - it took him about seven months, which is 20 percent faster than normal."

When Brannan joined the Air Force he planned to make it a career despite having no idea what career field he would get. When he found out he would be an air traffic controller he initially had doubts.

"When I got selected I was unsure if it was something I would be able to handle," said Brannan. "In the end it was a confidence booster because I thought, 'If I got through this I'm more capable than I thought.' It's also a rewarding job. I'll do my 20 or stay in as long as they let me."