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Two 931st Airmen garner enlisted Air Crew honors from AFRC

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish
  • 931st ARG Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Two 931st Air Refueling Group Airmen who were named Enlisted Aircrew of the Year for 2009 by Air Force Reserve Command say mentoring and leadership from their supervisors were the key to their success.

Staff Sgt. Steven Stewart and Staff Sgt. Gregery Brashier of the 18th Air Refueling Squadron were named Enlisted Air Crew NCO and Airman of the Year in June. Sergeant Brashier was a senior airman at the time his award package was submitted.

Both learned about the news of their selection from Chief Master Sgt. Katharine Lowman.

"I felt honored to even be considered for the award and winning it was a huge surprise for me," said Sgt. Stewart. "I was getting ready to go fly and Chief Lowman pulled me aside to congratulate me on winning at the AFRC level."

"Chief Lowman was excited to find out and she told me about it," said Sergeant Stewart.
According to Sergeant Stewart, mentoring from senior NCOs and supervisors can make a major difference in an Airman's career.

"I think mentoring plays a part in everyone's life, good and bad," said Sergeant Stewart. "There are tons of great mentors in the 18th ARS who have helped me along the way. I don't think I would be anywhere near as successful as I have been in my Air Force career without good mentors."

Sergeant Brashier said that visualizing the future and eliminating distractions play a role in an person's success.

"I believe that you must first have a vision of your future from God and then you set goals to accomplish the vision. That vision is something that has probably been inside since childhood for some of us," said Sergeant Brashier. "I dreamed of one day flying and now it is a reality. My advice for other Airmen is to do those goals that will get you to your vision and get rid of distractions, like watching television for six hours per day. And always finish what you start."

Sergeant Stewart noted that positive attitudes and an enjoyable work environment go a long way to helping an Airmen realize success.

"I think that the best advice I can give young Airmen is to stay positive, and seek out help when needed. Sometimes we try to do too much and it can end up being a burden if you're not able to manage it all. Find ways to keep work fun," said Sergeant Stewart. "Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."