344th ARS Airman wins 'Dutch' Huyser Award

by Senior Airman Colby L. Hardin
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/6/2015 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.  -- A McConnell Airman recently won the 2015 Air Mobility Command General "Dutch" Huyser Boom Operator Award.

The award is named after Gen. Robert "Dutch" Huyser, a former aircraft commander who served in the Vietnam War and flew more than 9,000 hours in multiple aircraft during his military career.

Staff Sgt. Jacob Burton, 344th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, received this award not only performing his duties but also for demonstrating great leadership along the way.

"His work ethic and dedication are the reasons that he received this award," said Senior Master Sgt. Olivia Hoornstra, 344th Air Refueling Squadron superintendent. "I wouldn't expect anything less from him, he's been a blessing to supervise."

The award is presented to AMC aircrew members who are highly proficient in the career field and are currently performing flight duties. Nominees must also sustain excellence in airmanship, demonstrate responsibility and show self-improvement efforts.

Burton's ability to lead in and out of the office is one thing that separates him from most of his peers.

"He is definitely not afraid to 'call the baby ugly or correct someone if they are wrong," said Hoornstra. "That's what will make him a great leader, and he will be successful in whatever he decides to pursue."

Burton has accumulated more than 1,400 flying hours and has been on four deployments. He hopes to one day work as a test boom operator for new equipment at the 412th Test Wing, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

"My leadership has a big impact on how I carry myself," said Burton. "They kind of set the tone for what was expected from me as an individual in their squadron."

Burton received distinguished graduate for his Airman Leadership School and was named the 22nd Operations Group Airman of The Year. He says that he is blessed to be recognized for all of his efforts.

"Doing less than your best is not acceptable," Burton added. "I feel like my job is rewarding enough as it is, so winning the Huyser Award was a really good surprise."