RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Mediocre is not a word that belongs in an Airman’s vocabulary, and Airmen like Airman 1st Class Adriya Osinski, 86th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice, are anything but.
“Airman 1st Class Osinski stands out due to her consistent motivation to become a more well-rounded Airman at work,” said Staff Sgt. Ian Spaulding, 86th OSS aircrew flight equipment NCO in charge. “I would like to see her intrinsic sense of Airmanship more throughout all of the new and young Airmen coming into the world's greatest Air Force.”
The East Point, Michigan, native is responsible for a wide range of tasks. These tasks include inspecting and maintaining equipment such as oxygen masks, helmets, and night vision goggles used for routine flying operations. Osinski is also responsible for inspecting and prepositioning survival equipment on the aircraft — should the aircraft or aircrew experience an emergency.
Approximately two weeks ago a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft experienced an inflight emergency, where the crew and passengers had to use the Emergency Passenger Oxygen System that the 86th OSS prepositions on every aircraft. Osinski herself had a hand in ensuring the EPOS was operational prior to the flight.
“It's very rewarding knowing the equipment we provide aides in saving lives,” said Osinski.
Attention to detail is very important, because should an inflight emergency occur, the equipment the 86th OSS maintains and provides could be an aircrew’s last hope for survival.
“If anything is missed, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Osinski said.
Survival vests, which include basic survival items such as medical supplies and ways to purify water, are prepared by aircrew flight equipment technicians such as Osinski. Combat Survivor Evader Locator radios, devices which notify emergency rescue personnel of a downed crew member’s location, are also provided.
In addition to her exceptional work ethic, Osinski has used her off duty time to further herself as a whole Airman concept Airman. She recently volunteered to clean and help maintain the Kindergraves, where 452 American children were buried from 1952-1971.
Identified as a Green Dot early adopter, Osinski is responsible for creating and ensuring that a safe and positive work environment is maintained, as well as to help facilitate good interpersonal relationships within her flight. Osinski has taken a more intensive four hour training instead of the regular one hour overview, enabling her to more easily identify and diffuse situations and behaviors that are not conducive to a positive and safe work environment.
“Airman 1st Class Osinski was selected unanimously by her flight mates for the Green Dot early adopter due to her high motivation and drive,” said Master Sgt. William Correa, 86th OSS aircrew flight equipment flight chief.
The top graduate of both her Basic Military Training and Technical School classes, Osinski doesn’t shoot for anything but her best.
“For young Airmen, it's important to stay motivated and aggressive with your training, education, and fitness,” Osinski said. “Take advantage of the opportunities we are provided with and get involved in things, even if they take you out of your comfort zone a little bit. It will only make you better in the end.”
Osinski derives her motivation from the desire to maintain her independence, always pushing herself to be the exceptional Airman that her unit knows she is.