62nd APS Airman named AMC SNCO of the Year

by Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- An Airman from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron here was recently named Air Mobility Command's Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Senior Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 62nd APS air freight superintendent, was named the command's top senior NCO in an announcement made by AMC late last month. The announcement means he will now go on to compete for that title at the Air Force level.

"Rendon was selected for this award, because of his outstanding performance, attitude, humility, passion and leadership as a senior NCO," said 1st Lt. Jason Loucks, 62nd APS air freight flight commander, and Rendon's supervisor. "He is the most well-rounded senior NCO I know."

One such example of Rendon's leadership was demonstrated when he assisted in averting a family crisis in which the wife of a deployed Airman required immediate medical care. As the Airmen's wife was unconscious and unable to provide consent for doctors to operate, Rendon took immediate action to get the deployed Airman in contact with the hospital in order to approve his wife's procedures. Rendon then helped to coordinate and secure travel arrangements for the Airman to return home to his wife in less than 48 hours.

Another of Rendon's accomplishments was managing the operation to load more than 20 civilian power trucks and support equipment onto C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Since they were not designed for transport on military aircraft, the vehicles and equipment had to be carefully weighed and measured before being loaded onto the C-17s. Rendon and his crew worked from the early morning to the late evening to ensure the vehicles were ready to get where they were needed.

"Since this was the first time these civilian teams were flying on military airplanes, all of their hazardous materials had to be certified by Sgt. Rendon's team," said Lt. Col. Robert Farkas, 62nd APS commander. "This was a true cradle to grave operation and he made it look easy."

Rendon said he enjoys knowing that he has an opportunity to make an impact on Airmen's lives and that he tries his hardest to ensure the impact he makes is a positive one.

"I want to be known as a person who cares about my Airmen," said Rendon.

Loucks said he believes it is Rendon's selfless leadership that made him stand out for the award.

"Sgt. Rendon deserves this award because of the countless hours he's invested in taking care of Airmen and their families," Loucks said. "His leadership both motivates and inspires everyone he comes in contact with."

Rendon said he also recognizes the role that his coworkers played in receiving this award.

"I'm flattered, humbled, and thankful to be selected for this award," he said. "As a senior NCO, I know that I can only succeed if my team succeeds, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of Airmen."