Staff Sgt Ricky D. Buettner chosen as Air Force best

  • Published
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  Staff Sgt Ricky D. Buettner, a Security Forces Journeyman with the 507th Air Refueling Wing's Security Forces Squadron has been selected as the Air Force's Outstanding Security Forces Air Reserve Component NCO for the year.

Buettner will officially receive his award during the Security Forces Symposium Award Banquet at Lackland AFB, Tex. April 30.

"Staff Sgt Buettner is outstanding young NCO who is highly motivated and dedicated to the mission of protecting the assets of the 507 Air Refueling Wing," said Col. Jeffery R. Glass, 507th ARW commander. "We are extremely pleased he was selected for this award."

In his nomination package, Sergeant Buettner was cited for many personal accomplishments during the past year. The sergeant was chosen to conduct a flyaway security mission at New Orleans Naval Air Station where he secured over $1.2 billion in Air Force assets. He performed labor intensive preventive maintenance on over 40 sets of his squadron's night vision goggles. He managed and reorganized his unit's supply section, inventorying and inspecting assets totaling $1.5 million. He deployed to Yokota Air Base, Japan supporting the Friendship Festival Open House, which was attended by 100,000+ locals, with zero security infractions.

His community involvement is highlighted by his efforts as an active participant in 'Meals on Wheels' to deliver meals to elderly in Oklahoma City, leading a unit Fund Raiser bake sale, donating winter clothing during severe cold weather and actively supported a base beautification project.

Personally Sergeant Buettner worked towards completion of a Criminal Justice degree at Rose State University receiving 24 credit hrs completed this year earning a 3.25 Grade Point Average. He completed his 7-level upgrade training in less than 6 months and engaged in personal marathon training regime leading up to participation in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.