Airlifter of the Week: 86th MXS, PMEL apprentice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  An 86th Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory apprentice received the honor of being Ramstein’s Airlifter of the Week on Nov. 16, 2018.

The 86th Airlift Wing commander and command chief lauded U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Stephen Oh for his excellence in executing the Air Force’s mission across the European theater of operation.

Oh, from Chicago, is credited with achieving a 92 percent score on his first set of Career Development Course exams, followed by a 97 percent score on the second round. The average score on the second round of the CDC exams was a 79 percent. Oh is additionally credited with being recognized as the Airman of the Third Quarter for 2018 within the 86th Maintenance Group. He was recognized with this particular award for his dedication to upgrade training, focus on mission accomplishment, and selfless service to the local community. Most recently, Oh designed an award winning Foreign Object Debris poster and was recognized by U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Wenckus, 86th AW vice commander for his contribution to the wing’s FOD prevention program. In October Oh organized a wing-wide blood drive which collected 31 pints of blood. He is also an active supporter of Kaiserslautern Military Community’s Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving program and has given over 100 hours over the last six months as an on-call designated driver.

“I was shocked to receive this award as they called me up front and center for the Airlifter of the Week award,” said Oh. “I was really touched by the recognition and at that moment I was really moved I was even considered.”

Oh expressed gratitude to his mentors and leaders which included U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Babbitt, 86th MXS Test Measurement and Diagnostic flight chief, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Birch Rypka, 86th MXS PMEL section chief, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ricky Willard, 86th MXS PMEL element supervisor, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stanley Wesley, 86th MXS element supervisor, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Williams, 86th MXS PMEL technician.

These mentors and leaders pushed him to be the best Airman he can be and also said he was thankful for having the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Air Force.

“One of the reasons I joined the U.S. Air Force was to learn how to serve,” said Oh. “I wanted to learn how to work with others, with family, with my community, with my country. Being outside the military, I didn’t get as many opportunities to volunteer as I do now so it is definitely a great place to learn how to serve.”

The Airlifter of the Week program recognizes Ramstein Airmen who through their hard work and dedication make the 86th Airlift Wing the World’s Best Wing.