AF awards Moody Airman for performance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ticia Hopkins
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Air Force recently named a Moody Airman as the 2005 Outstanding Life Support Aircrew Airman. 

Senior Airman J. Michael Lundell, 41st Rescue Squadron aircrew life support journeyman, received the honor for his job performance and off-duty contributions. 

Airman Lundell is responsible for inspecting, maintaining and building aircrew equipment from helmets to floatation equipment. He also helps support the flying mission and deploys with the aircrew. 

Earning accolades at this level was a surprise, said Airman Lundell. 

“I was happy to win the Air Force Special Operations Command (level),” said Airman Lundell. “I didn’t expect (to win it) for the Air Force.” 

While Airman Lundell was shocked about picking up top honors, his leadership was not surprised and felt he deserved the title. 

“He was the correct pick for the award because Airman Lundell excels at every aspect of his job and off-duty,” said Tech. Sgt. Todd Washler, Airman Lundell’s supervisor. “I believe winning this award shows he is a professional in all aspects of his job and (highlights) the great things he does off-duty.” 

Off-duty, Airman Lundell volunteered for various activities. He has worked with SOBER Ride, Habitat for Humanity and helped judge a high school drill competition. He is also a member of the Menu Planning Council and a Base Airman Council official. 

“(The award) definitely recognizes him for being the best of the best,” said Sergeant Washler. “It shows without a doubt that his impact is so immense that he makes the overall difference when it comes to mission accomplishment.” 

Before receiving the AFSOC-level award, Airman Lundell distinguished himself among his peers early on with various other awards he received. 

Airman Lundell’s awards include the squadron’s Airman of the Quarter and the Operations Group’s Aircrew Life Support Airman of the Quarter from January to March 2005. 

In addition, while deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, he was named the Airman of the Month for May 2005 and was selected for below-the-zone promotion. 

“I decided to put him in initially because Airman Lundell is a go-getter and a super troop,” said Sergeant Washler. “I believe Airman Lundell’s positive attitude and his immense initiative constantly puts him ahead of his peers and makes him stand out.” 

While Airman Lundell is considered a superstar by his co-workers, he says he enjoys the people he works with and his job. 

“I enjoy the Air Force atmosphere and the camaraderie,” said the Airman. “I enjoy actually making a difference and being able to support real-world missions. 

“I like working in this shop, and I like the people I work with,” he added. “We have some really good Airmen here in the shop.” 

As far as the award, Airman Lundell said the best part was when he got to tell his family back home. 

“The best thing was the reaction my parents had when I told them, my sisters and my wife,” said the newlywed. “My dad is in the National Guard, and when I joined the Air Force he had so much pride in me.”