Airman’s work ethic garners award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ebony Nichols
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  Whether in an office or on a flight line, working eight hours a day can be taxing and take a toll on the mind and body. At the end of a shift, one simply wants to retreat to their home and relax, and perhaps, forget the day's happenings until the cycle begins on the next shift. Recently, a 917th Airman, displaying service before self and acting as a trustworthy wingman, showed his dedication to the team after his shift was over. Fittingly, he received an award for his "off the clock" efforts.

Senior Airman Sonny Bellows, 917th Maintenance Squadron, received the Ground Safety Well Done Award for his work ethic. He was assisting in an Eddy current inspection on a B-52H aircraft. After completing the task and gathering his equipment to leave, a fuel shop specialist dropped a number two apex that was being used to close the access door to the left center wing fuel tank. For those who don't work in a hangar or on aircraft, this was indeed cause for alarm. 

"Anytime we lose a tool, nut, bolt (or anything) on an aircraft, it's taken very seriously," said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Young, 917th MXS flight chief. "The aircraft is taken out of flying schedule until we can find it, or we can prove that it doesn't pose a threat when it is flown again."
 
Airman Bellows volunteered to stay, after his seven hours fifty-nine minutes and fifty-nine required seconds, to help search for the lost apex. 

"Whether you're getting paid overtime or not, the tool had to be found," said Airman Bellows. "Losing a tool could be a big issue, and could mean trouble for a pilot." 

After an exhaustive hour and a half, he located the apex. Because of his willingness to put his wingman's needs and squadron's mission before his own desire to leave for the day, not only was the tool found, the potential of foreign object damage to an aircraft was eliminated. 

"Being an Airman, we all stick together," said Airman Bellows. "We were all working as a team, and I just got lucky." 

Airman Bellows exhibited core values that all Airmen should strive to possess. His dedication to his squadron and leadership took note and appreciate his team work.
"Attention to detail is very important in the type of work we do. The lives of an aircrew depend upon how serious you take your role in the mission," said Sergeant Young. "Senior Airman Bellows is an Airman any supervisor would be proud to have. He never complains, is always willing to go the extra mile, and is totally dedicated to his shop and coworkers."