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90th MUNS's Airman exudes excellence

  • Published
  • By Airman Malcolm Mayfield
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  With a professional attitude, motivation and supportive supervisors, one cannot help but be successful in the Air Force.

It is no surprise, then, that Senior Airman Dylan Haley, 90th Munitions Squadron team chief, was awarded the 2013 Air Force Nuclear Deterrence Operations Airman of the Year.

"I didn't even know I was put in for it or received it until I got a letter from a two-star general saying 'Hey you can wear your ribbon now,'" Haley said.

Master Sgt. Issac Withrow, 90th MUNS NCO-in charge, nominated Haley.

"Senior Airman Haley nominated himself for this award with his everyday commitment to excellence," Withrow said. "He steps up every single time he's asked to, and he's never balked at an opportunity for increased responsibility." 

Haley's supervisors say he performs at the level of an NCO and has the responsibilities to match.

"Sometimes I have to remind myself he's a senior airman because he carries himself in such a professional manner and definitely has an NCO responsibility and workload level," Withrow said, "and he wouldn't have it any other way."

Withrow said the Nuclear Surety Inspectors were so impressed with his prowess that he was one of two in 90th MXG to be coined by the Air Force Global Strike Command inspector general, which is a high honor for weapons maintainers. That, stacked with his other accomplishments, led Haley to being nominated and winning an Air Force-level award.

"He was certified as a weapons maintenance team chief; the first time a senior airman has been selected for such a critical role at this location in over 10 years," Withrow said.

That kind of stuff really jumps off the page when awards packages are being reviewed, Withrow said. It shows how important he is to our mission accomplishment.

"It was something I asked for and wanted," Haley said. "We were at a time where we were down to one team chief who was working for the most part. They had to pick someone else to be one, and we didn't have any staff sergeants at the time."

Haley said he was chosen for it because I was the most experienced senior airmen that we had and they thought I could handle it.

"I love it," Haley said. "Being a team chief is the most fun I've had in the military."

As a team chief, Haley has increased responsibility; he is responsible for projects and the Airmen within his team. Whether they finish their job or not is completely on him.
 
"He is truly passionate and cares about his fellow Airmen.  He is constantly researching things like education opportunities and spreading the word," Withrow said. "He starts Airmen Leadership School next month, and I can't wait for the positive impact he will have on his subordinates when he gets the chance."