Lab tech named July Airman of the Month

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

"I had a little bit of anxiety before facing the board, but it was the good kind that makes you want to perform well," said Senior Airman Layton Edwards, this month's top Airman. "We have a great staff here that helped me prepare by practicing with mock boards."

Each month, squadrons from around base select an Airman to represent them. Those selected face a board consisting of the previous month's Airman of the Month, a NCO, a senior NCO and a chief master sergeant.

Edwards also used a YouTube video that gave a demonstration of an Airman of the Month board to prepare himself.

"Edwards has been a tremendous asset to us since he arrived here last September," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Nestor, the NCO in charge. "I knew he had the knowledge and ability to win the board - I knew he would be a shoo-in."

As a lab technician, Edwards ensures Team Vance Airmen are mission and deployment ready.

"We make sure our Airmen are able to deploy and fulfill the mission," said Edwards, a Naples, Fla., native. "And while they are deployed, we take care of their families' needs so they can focus on the mission.

"I love my job," said Edwards. "I like having a direct impact on our patients. Our findings help the doctors diagnose our patients. It is fulfilling."

Edwards has served for five years and plans to retire from the Air Force one day.