507th Air Refueling Wing

Lt. Col. Ernest M. Goodman, 507th Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineer Squadron commander, presents his civil service supervisor, Col. James G. Fulton with an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot award. Colonel Goodman praised Colonel Fulton for supporting his Air Force Reserve career and recent 179 day AEF deployment during the presentation.

Reservist takes opportunity to thank boss for his support

Published June 25, 2009
By Lt. Col. Rich Curry
507th Air Refueling Wing

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- Lieutenant Colonel Ernest "Monty" Goodman, 507th Air Refueling Wing's Civil Engineer Squadron commander, took the opportunity recently to thank his civil service employer for support he received while deployed overseas.

In his civil service career, Goodman works for the 547th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.

He recently returned from a 179 Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) deployment to Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq where he was assigned as an Airman In Lieu Of (ILO) soldier to the Headquarters 10th Mountain Division Engineers G-E within the Multi-National Division Center. On the day he deployed, Colonel Goodman said Col. James G. Fulton and Fulton's wife Laura went to the Oklahoma City Airport at 5 a.m. on a weekday to see him off.

"While deployed to Iraq, Colonel Fulton maintained contact with encouraging e-mail messages." Goodman said. Goodman added that on the day he returned home, Colonel Fulton and his wife met him at the Oklahoma City airport with cookies and a hero's welcome home.

"Colonel Fulton continues to thank me for my service in Iraq as well as thanking me and the Airmen with me for our service in a war zone," he said. On June 11, Goodman was joined by Col. Jeffery R. Glass, 507th ARW commander to present Colonel Fulton with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's "Patriot Award."