AF names DOD disability award nominees

by Gloria Kwizera

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Capt. Ryan P. McGuire, Air Mobility Command, and Christopher R. Randall, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, are the Air Force nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

Capt. Ryan P. McGuire

McGuire faced tremendous adversity during his Air Force career as the service’s first amputee to earn a pilot rating.

“His achievements prove hard work and dedication make anything possible,” said Senior Master Sgt. Diana Gonzalez, AF Evaluation and Recognitions Programs Branch Superintendent. He completed the 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death March, earned three medals at the 2010 Warrior Games, and even ran the full Air Force marathon in under five hours, earning honors as the 2010 Air Education and Training Command Athlete of the Year.

When deemed as medically unsuited for continued service, McGuire appealed to the Air Force medical continuation board, and was allowed to resume pilot training. He is the first amputee to complete water survival and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training.

“McGuire is an inspiration for others, illustrating what someone can achieve, regardless of physical disabilities,” said Gonzalez.

Christopher R. Randall

Randall made significant contributions to the Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance community, directing operational testing of the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.

“He dramatically increased the system capabilities, supporting assets employed in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Gonzalez.

He led a 21-member team and managed the cost, schedule, and performance of the MQ-9’s $2.9 million operational test program. His team integrated developmental and operational test resources to evaluate Reaper’s effectiveness, suitability, and mission capability. His test data provided critical information leading to the DOD Acquisition Board’s $774 million buy decision, and helped achieve a Secretary of Defense top priorities: more ISR on the battlefield.

McGuire and Randall will be honored at the 32nd Annual DOD Disability Award Ceremony, slated for later this year