RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- A noncommissioned officer from the 786th Civil Engineer Squadron was selected as Airlifter of the Week, Nov. 10, 2021, for outstanding performance above and beyond his duties, which included his position as an emergency operations center manager during Operation Allies Welcome at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Smith, 786th CES emergency management craftsman, contributed to OAW where he led 441 members, resulting in 554 tents being deployed, 1.5 million meals served, $168 million in assets utilized and 35 thousand travelers granted safe passage.
“He was kind of a jack of all trades,” said Master Sgt Mark Turner, 786th CES emergency management section chief. “He fit in where we needed him for OAW. He is filling in for multiple positions, normally above his pay grade”
As an emergency support function five, Smith helps facilitate all the requested tasks that come into the Emergency Operations Center by connecting the requestor with the proper person to fulfill the requests and passing information up and down the base chain of command.
During OAR he not only worked 12-hour shifts, he also volunteered his time, with his wife, to sort three thousand food items that served six hundred travels.
Smith’s regular job includes managing the upkeep and the renovation of the emergency operations center for the base, which includes making sure members are fully trained and certified for emergency situations.
“Honestly, my favorite part of the job is when we actually get to do what we are trained to do,” Smith said. “Managing the situation during OAW was where I enjoyed my job the most.”
Work is not all that Smith does while living in Germany. He enjoys getting away on the weekends.
“Traveling is definitely a big hobby while living in Germany,” Smith said. “I am also very outdoorsy. I love going hiking, running, skiing, snowboarding and staying active.”
He brings that same spirit and active personality to the workplace as well.
“He just has a positive attitude, no questions asked,” Turner said. “It is a pleasure to work with him.”