ISR Airman earns AF Traffic Management award

  • Published
  • By Margaret McGlinn
  • 480th ISR Wing Public Affairs
Ramstein Air Base, Germany --  An Airman from the 693rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group received the 2009 Air Force Traffic Management Airman of the Year Award.

Senior Airman Phillip Rictor, with the 485th Intelligence Squadron in Mainz-Kastel, Germany, heard he won April 14.

"Winning an Air Force-level award is incredible," said Airman Rictor. "I could not have done this without the support of my fellow Airmen, leadership and family. This is as much their accomplishment as it is mine."

The annual award recognizes the very best within the logistics community for outstanding contributions to the success of Air Force and Defense Department missions.

One accomplishment for Airman Rictor was to deliver 10 armored vehicles to the Middle East to ensure the protection of fellow warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as providing protection for the National Security Agency director.

"The 485th IS has a unique and very challenging mission," said Col. Eric Holdaway, 693rd ISRG commander. "It requires Airmen to step up and perform at a higher level, and Senior Airman Rictor has clearly done that, to the benefit of all our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen downrange."

Rictor transported 3.7 million pounds of signals intelligence equipment, valued at more than $2.3 billion, to enable wartime operations for the United States and 29 of its international partners in the European, African and Middle Eastern combat theaters.

"It is an honor and privilege to command dedicated Airmen such as Senior Airman Rictor," said Lt. Col. Arnold Nash, 485th IS. "Airmen of the 485th support combat operations downrange every day, so it is great to see one of our best recognized at the highest level."

Rictor credits his family for winning the award, especially his older brother, Tech. Sgt. Jason Rictor, who works air transportation for the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, Travis AFB, Calif.

"I strive to follow in my brother's footsteps," Airman Rictor said. "My brother told me to always do my best and never let anyone tell me I am not capable of achieving something I want. This award shows that he mentored me well."