86th Airlift Wing recognizes Young Leadership Award recipient

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Caitlin O'Neil-McKeown
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  A member of the 86th Operation Support Squadron was recently selected for the 2013 Airlift/ Tanker Association Young Leadership award. The winner; Tech. Sgt. Lorenzo Walker, aircrew flight equipment quality assurance.

"When I heard I had won I was so surprised; I wasn't expecting to win at the group level, let alone at the wing level," said Walker. "I believe that you should do your job the best you can and everything else that comes of it is a bonus."

The A/TA's purpose for the award is to recognize and honor entities or mission groups who have distinguished themselves with exceptional performance above and beyond their duties. They also identify and highlight outstanding individuals whom achievements distinguish them as future leaders.

"Walker inspires those around him to perform at their best," said Master Sgt. Matthew Shaffer, 86th OSS aircrew flight equipment quality assurance. "He is consistent and always expects others to try their hardest with any task they are given.

Walker's package included a variety of achievements from performing efficiently on the job and earning a Community College of the Air Force degree in safety systems to volunteering for Airmen against Drunk Driving and Project Rudolph.

"He was nominated and won because he continues to better himself and those around him," said Shaffer. "He always has a smile to give in any situation and continually tackles the hardest tasks asked of him."

Walker will continue on to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa level in hopes of competing at the Air Force level.

"Really, it's about the whole Airman concept," said Walker. "Doing your job, giving back to the community and getting an education, you need to do it all."