Okinawan native earns AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  An Okinawan native was recently recognized with the Air Force Information Dominance Outstanding Civilian Assistant award for his meritorious service October 2011-September 2012.

The Air Force Information Dominance Outstanding Civilian Assistant award is an Air Force-level award that recognizes Air Force officers, enlisted members, federal civilian employees, teams, and units for superior performance while providing information dominance and cyberspace operations to the Air Force and Department of Defense missions and operations.

"This is a miracle for me," said Hiroyusu Kuda, a postal specialist with the Detachment 3, Pacific Air Forces Air Postal Squadron here. "I was just really surprised to have won my second Air Force award."

Kuda surpassed DOD standards by leading his team to their second consecutive "Outstanding" rating in every area of the 2012 PACAF postal inspection.

By playing a key role in the 18th Wing's mission, Kuda was also able to exceed PACAF's 20-percent force protection standard.

These standards were exceeded with the help of his team and an ion scanner.

An ion scanner is capable of detecting and identifying explosives and narcotics during a single analysis with the help of two ion-mobility spectrum detectors, which gives them the ability to detect a broader range of substances.

"After we get the mail, we immediately run every piece of mail through the ion scanner," Kuda said. "Since (9/11) and the anthrax problem in the states, we've ion scanned every piece for the safety of our customers."

Kuda's involvement in the postal system also led to the unit winning the 4th quarter awards for 2011 and PACAF's A6 Team's 2nd quarter awards for 2012.

"With the phenomenal work Mr. Kuda's accomplished supporting Team Kadena with more than 5 million pounds of mail annually, this award accomplishment should be highlighted," said Nick Tolosa, Detachment 3, PACAF APS detachment chief.