McChord Field SNCO competes to be one of Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Russ Jackson
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2014 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Master Sgt. Marc Sellers, 62nd Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight chief, was named, March 28, 2014, Air Mobility Command's Outstanding Airman of the Year in the senior non-commissioned officer category. He will now compete at the Air Force level to become one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2014.

This Air Force level award recognizes 12 outstanding enlisted service members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

"I was extremely surprised to win this award," Sellers said. "Although, I didn't win it as much as the 62nd Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight won this award. The personnel that work for me in this flight are second to none. In the last 20 years, I have never worked with a finer group of Airmen. They never cease to amaze me."

During 2013, Sellers prepared 38 aircraft for nuclear airlift support helping the 62nd Airlift Wing earn the highest Department of Defense level nuclear surety inspection rating. He also developed a nose landing gear "W" brace repair guide for corrosion averting seven mission impaired capability awaiting parts delays which not only saved the Air Force $74,000 but was adopted by The Boeing Company. Additionally, Sellers volunteered more than 1,500 hours with Emerald Ridge high school athletic teams and has his own fast pitch softball organization for young athletes in Puyallup, Washington.

Seller's accomplishments never went unnoticed by his supervisor, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Julbes, 62nd Maintenance Squadron superintendent.

"The C-17 Globemaster III is the Air Force's premier mobility airlifter," Julbes said. "Master Sgt. Seller's innovative ideas have helped change the way the C-17 community will operate for years to come, which will save millions of dollars. Blend this with his professionalism and ability to be an outstanding mentor to his troops makes him a clear winner."

Sellers will now join the other nominees in the waiting game. The winners of the Air Force's 12 OAY 2014 are expected to be announced in July.

The 12 OAY will earn the Outstanding Airman ribbon with the bronze service star device and wear the Outstanding Airman badge for one year. They will also be a part of the Air Force Association Enlisted Advisory Council with the ability to collaborate ideas and improvements for the office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

Those awards would be beneficial for Seller's career, but for him the real honor is being able to highlight his Airmen.

"The greatest opportunity winning the AMC OAY has provided me is being able to brag about my flight to everyone who will listen," Sellers said. "These guys and girls truly deserve every accolade they can get, so as long as people keep listening, I will keep talking them up."

Hopefully, Sellers will have the opportunity to do just that for the next year if he is selected as the winner of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Senior NCO for 2014.