Dyess Airmen receive ACC Aviation Resource Management award

by Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman
Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman

1/27/2014 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Two Dyess Airmen from the 436th Training Squadron recently received awards from Air Combat Command for their hard work and dedication for Aviation Resource Management.

Tech. Sgt. Katie Carter and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Armstrong, 436th Training Squadron Instructors, were both announced winners for the ACC level award of outstanding aviation resource manager. Carter was awarded outstanding aviation resource manager instructor of the year, while Armstrong was awarded outstanding non-commissioned officer of the year.

Aviation resource managers keep track of the aviators (enlisted and officers), parachutists and anyone else that would fly in an Air Force aircraft. They track and validate flying hours, qualifications, training and expertise for each individual as well as each unit and the wing.

"As an aviation resource manager, our job is very important to the aircrew," Carter said. "One of the biggest things we do in the aircrew's eye is validate a member's entitlement to flight or jump incentive pay. It is important for aviation resource managers to ensure the aircrews receive what they are entitled to due to Department of Defense regulations and public law."

Every year the wing selects their best representatives from the aviation resource management career field and submits a package to the MAJCOM. The nominees are evaluated based on their leadership, job performance, significant self improvement and other significant career field contributions.

"I'm honored to have been chosen for the award of outstanding NCO of the year for Aviation Resource Management," Armstrong said. "Being a part of something so little when it is a big deal makes it all the more exciting to not only be nominated, but chosen to win an award like this."

The 436th TS also teaches three courses throughout the year. They teach Host Aviation Resource Management, Squadron Aviation Resource Management and Aviation Resource Management Report Writer.

"When I first joined the Air Force I was going to be an air traffic controller, but it didn't work out and now I am an aviation resource manager," Carter said. "I feel as though I am where I need to be and am making a difference in my career field. I enjoy teaching along with doing the duties of an aviation resource manager and can't imagine doing anything else."

Carter has been an instructor at the 436th for two years and Armstrong was an instructor for six months before leaving Dyess Air Force Base to a new adventure of being an aviation resource manager at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"I really enjoyed being an instructor for the short time I was at the 436th TS although I was at Dyess for seven years. I also enjoyed doing my job and teaching others how to do it and become better aviation resource managers," Armstrong said.

After spending over 10 years in the career field Carter and Armstrong were both awarded for their outstanding achievements over the past year. Some achievements include the rewriting of AFI 11-421 and saving the Air Force around $45K by conducting two mobile training teams to U.S. Air Force Europe and Air Force Special Operations Command. In 2014, the 436th TS is looking to go virtual which will expand their student numbers.

"I am just excited to be involved and be making a difference within the career field. I was involved in an AFI rewrite this past year, and I really enjoy teaching new students and seeing the great things they do once they leave my class," Carter said.