TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- Master Sgt. Michael Meek, a radio frequency transmission systems craftsman, received the Senior NCO of the Year award in the Communications Electronic Systems category. Sergeant Meek is a resident of Moore, Oklahoma.

Sergeant Meek was one of four Airmen from the 35th Combat Communications Squadron receiving top honors in this year's Air Force Reserve Command's 2009 Communications and Information Awards program.

Lt. Col. Pete Peterson, 35th CBCS commander, praised the squadron Airmen receiving awards. "They are sharp people. Their recognition stems from their outstanding efforts during our recent Operational Readiness Inspection," he said .

As the Noncommissioned Officer In Charge of the squadron's Satellite Communications, wideband and ground radio work center, he directly supervises and manages 17 Airmen and $4 million dollars in equipment assets. He also serves the squadron as the training manager. According to Colonel Peterson, Meek is the "main reason for rapid training in the squadron when it grew from 30 to 80 personnel. His oversight on the squadron's CDC program is exemplary -- 12 personnel tested in calendar year 2009 with 100 percent pass rate."

Additionally, Meek trained 20 personnel in maintenance data documentation procedures allowing for the smooth repair of equipment to maintain a 100 percent operational state.
Sergeant Meek was hand-picked to spearhead his unit's 2009 ORI effort by his squadron commander. He acted as communications engineer, normally an officer
position, to coordinate communication equipment installations, receiving an "OUTSTANDING" score for his efforts.

During the inspection, he expertly balanced the duties of Communications Engineer,
Emergency Manager, Safety NCO, Unit Training Manager while providing expert liaison between ACC/AFSPC IG cadre. He created the squadron's ORI manpower model, preventing eight potential deployment requirement manning document shortfalls with a developed contingency plan. Additionally, he volunteered as deployed emergency management representative, posturing ORI location site for inspection simulated chemical threats, resulting in full recovery after every attack. He designated and trained
post attack reconnaissance teams in responsibilities allowing completion of PAR
sweeps in less than 20 minutes. He also directed recovery during post attack and
coordinated all contamination marking and equipment repair actions.