AFTAC Airman wins Air Staff-level award

  • Published
  • By Susan A. Romano
  • AFTAC Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  An Airman assigned to the Air Force Technical Applications Center here was selected as the Air Force's Outstanding Scientific Applications Specialist-Technician of the Year Award for 2012.

Senior Airman Jacob Caron, a systems control shift leader at AFTAC, learned of his selection when he opened his email to find the official announcement, along with multiple congratulatory messages from friends and co-workers.

The program's objective is to award an individual for outstanding contributions to the technical applications specialist career field. Airmen in this position are responsible for performing data collection, experimentation, observation and maintenance on specialized equipment such as geophysical, nuclear radiation and electro-optical platforms to process and analyze scientific data.

According to his award submission, Caron prepared 40 status of command briefings that were given to senior leaders and key decision makers. He traveled to Alaska to fortify a seismic array sensor system that spanned 870 square miles. He also prepared and conducted five distinguished visitor briefings, including one for the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during his tour of the AFTAC Operations Center. The sergeant major was so impressed with Caron's in-depth and informative overview that he presented the Airman with his coin.

"We are extremely proud of Senior Airman Caron and his accomplishments," said Staff Sgt. Jack Cornelis, Caron's supervisor. "He accomplished so much in 2012, including his role as lead trainer where he qualified four Airmen and one NCO on more than 175 critical tasks. Thanks to his hard work as a dedicated trainer, the center was able to overcome a 25 percent shortfall in manpower. He definitely deserved this recognition."

Caron, a Bellevue, Neb., native who joined AFTAC in October 2009, credits Cornelis' guidance and mentorship for his continued success.

"As much of an honor it is to be selected for this prestigious award," said Caron, "I really can't take all the credit. I work with some really great people who are dedicated to our mission and who come in to work with great attitudes and a willingness to get the job done. I want to especially thank Sergeant Cornelis for having faith in me and giving me the tools I need to execute AFTAC's treaty monitoring mission.

The Air Staff message stated, "...the caliber of nominees was extremely high and the competition was keen in all categories. Congratulations to all winners for their outstanding accomplishments during fiscal year 2012!"

Caron is now authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon on his uniform.