Two Laughlin controllers named "Best in Command"

by 2nd Lt. Evan M. Ross
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Two air traffic controllers from Laughlin's 47th Operations Support Squadron earned Best in Command accolades from Air Education and Training Command for 2012.

Tech. Sgt. Donald Dalrymple, 47th OSS NCO in charge of air traffic control training, was named the best ATC trainer in AETC, and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Murphy, 47th OSS ATC watch supervisor, was named the best ATC of the year in AETC.

Both were lauded by their supervisors who submitted the paperwork for these men to be awarded.

According to his supervisors, Murphy, a former John Levitow Award recipient from Airman Leadership School, excels in more ways than just his job duties. He finished his associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force recently with a grade point average of 3.9 and says that he plans to begin his bachelor's degree soon.

Murphy also, along with several other controllers, consistently embodies the Air Force's second core value by volunteering in the community and helping the needy.

The command singled Murphy out for his excellence in his job duties. Over the last year, Murphy coordinated and helped bring a safe conclusion to three emergencies requiring cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and aircraft in Laughlin's airspace.

Much like Murphy, Dalrymple has also been recognized by his supervisors and AETC for his excellence.

In his duties as NCOIC of ATC training, he has ushered in the lowest withdrawal rate from ATC training in AETC. The quality of training that Laughlin controllers receive allows more student controllers to get to Air Force standards than any other AETC base, which saves the Air Force money in additional training and reclassification of airmen.

During Laughlin's most recent Consolidated Unit Inspection, Dalrymple earned the title of "AETC benchmark" for ATC trainers due to his tireless efforts and adherence to standards.

His excellence in training also extends beyond ATC duties, however, as he also created his squadron's self-aid and buddy care medical training and tracking programs while supervising the training and qualifications for more than 90 airmen.

Dalrymple and Murphy were both quick to give the credit for these achievements to their coworkers instead of taking it for themselves.

"The team as a whole is responsible for everything we've been able to accomplish to this point," said Dalrymple. "The people I work with are great at their jobs, which makes my job a lot easier."

Chief Master Sgt. Howard Teesdale, chief of ATC, was quicker to give credit where credit was due.

"Both of these men are exactly what you want as a supervisor," said Teesdale. "They're excellent at their jobs, excellent role models for our younger men and women and truly embody all of our core values."