AF awards Airman for medical readiness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman S.I. Fielder
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Air Force Medical Service named a staff sergeant assigned to the 347th Medical Group as their Outstanding Medical Expeditionary / Operation Readiness Noncommissioned Officer of 2005. 

Staff Sgt. Cordell Roberson, a native of Stone Mountain, Ga., currently a network administrator for the 347th MDG received the award for his accomplishments as the NCO in charge of medical readiness for the 347th Aeromedical Dental Squadron. 

“I’m not usually speechless but that day I was,” said Sergeant Roberson. “I could not have reached this level of success without the support I received, starting at the (347th) Medical Group.” 

Sergeant Roberson’s excellence can be noted by the other awards he recently received. The 347th MDG named him their NCO of 2005, and Air Force Special Operations Command named him Medical Readiness / Aeromedical Evacuation NCO for 2004 and 2005. 

To earn these recognitions, Sergeant Roberson managed all medical deployments. He tracked and executed more than 20 readiness training tasks for 190 active duty and 45 civilians. 

Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive training is mandatory training for medical people that takes more than 16 hours to complete. Sergeant Roberson designed a study guide to ensure the 347th MDG reached 100 percent compliance nine months before the AFSOC deadline. 

The sergeant also assisted with a real-world bomb threat on base. After a suspicious package was called in, he ensured more than 400 patients and providers evacuated within five minutes. 

“I followed appropriate procedures for suspicious packages outlined by wing guidance,” he said. “Fortunately, the package was not a real threat; but the 347th MDG executed our process perfectly, potentially saving lives.” 

Sergeant Roberson handled numerous additional duties, including the 347th MDG’s Security Program. He ensured the accuracy of 40 security clearances prior to it going to the 347th Security Force Squadron. 

“Sergeant Roberson created an effective process and detailed tracking tool to aid in the completion of all security clearances,” said Capt. Carlin Fisher, the 347th MDG Medical Readiness Flight commander. “In fact, his effort allowed the (347th) MDG to be the first to successfully meet the completion suspense set by the wing security manager.” 

His response to Joint Task Force Hurricane Katrina served as the pinnacle of his year. Sergeant Roberson mobilized two medical Airmen in five hours, who provided food, water and facilities. 

“He’s a get-the-job-done kind of guy,” said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Reid, 347th ADS superintendent. 

In addition, Sergeant Roberson displayed leadership skills as the president of the 347th MDG Middle Tier Association. He also found the time to earn 15 credits for his Medical Administration Community College of the Air Force degree. 

“I took a lot of my classes during lunch as well as online classes at home,” said Sergeant Roberson. “Hopefully by the end of the spring semester I will attain my CCAF.”