JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Gen. Raymond Johns, commander of Air Mobility Command, named Senior Airman Samuel Siewert, 628th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman, 2009 AMC Airman of the Year at Scott AFB, Ill., April 8.
Airman Siewert was one of four Airmen selected for top honors in their respective categories of Airman, NCO, Senior NCO, and First Sergeant.
"These Airmen have done an incredible job serving our nation, and I'm inspired by their selfless, behind the scenes efforts that support our mission on a daily basis. It takes a great personal commitment on their part, and I couldn't be more proud of them," said General Johns.
Airman Siewert's achievement is the deserved recognition of an Airman who has exemplified himself since becoming a member of the 628 CES, Fire Emergency Services Flight, in March 2008.
Whittling down this year's list of nominees was extremely challenging according to Chief Master Sgt. David Spector, AMC command chief.
"The number of amazing Airmen we have in AMC is overwhelming and I thank you for the work you do every day to make this command great," said Chief Spector.
The competition recognizes outstanding performers and promotes excellence by recognizing those individuals who go above and beyond to meet the "whole person concept" the Air Force looks for, according to Chief Master Sgt. Mike Ivey, 628th Air Base Wing command chief.
"We're asking them to do great things at their jobs, we're asking them to do great things in their communities and we're asking them to better themselves by getting an education," said Chief Ivey. "This competition is just a way to reward the Airmen who go above and beyond to do great things in all three categories."
This year's outstanding Airmen represent more than 45,000 active-duty enlisted members assigned throughout AMC.
"It is pretty amazing Airman Siewert was selected as one of the 45,000 Airmen from AMC," Chief Ivey said. "To make it to the major command level is a once in a career opportunity. By winning a prestigious competition like this, it really sets that individual up for success."
With his selection as AMC's Airman of the Year, Airmen Siewert will now go on to compete among Airmen from around the Air Force in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year competition.
"I am proud to represent Team Charleston," said Airman Siewert. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
As a firefighter, Airman Siewert's primary duties put him in harm's way for his fellow Airmen at a moment's notice. When called upon, he has answered with such commendable actions as removing a patient with no pulse from a commercial aircraft, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation, saving the person's life.
Again, his skills were sharp when a Commissary worker was pinned between two cars. After arriving on scene, Airman Siewert expertly stabilized the worker's broken leg, internal injuries and symptoms of shock. He also twice revived a patient who had been ejected during a car accident, saving yet another life.
"I have done nothing but my job. As firefighters we are not extraordinary human beings. We are ordinary people put in extraordinary situations," Airman Siewert said. "Everyone, I work with has contributed wisdom and thoughts throughout my career. We are a family. We eat, sleep and work in the same building.
"Everyone in the Air Force is here for a reason to support the mission," he added. "Our reason is no more important than the others. We just deal with life and death situations on a more frequent basis."
Airman Siewert has earned numerous national and state certifications related to his duties as a fire protection journeyman, and he has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Haunted House and blood drives.
He was also named the base's military firefighter of the year, and received the Diamond Sharp award from the First Sergeant's council.
"I would like to finish my Community College of the Air Force degree by my four year mark in the Air Force," Airman Siewert said. "Continuing my education is something important to me. One of the long range goals in my life is to earn the rank of Fire Chief."
Originally from Oconomowoc, Wis., Airman Siewert joined the Air Force Sept. 18, 2007, to serve his country as a firefighter.
During the past few months, Airman Siewert has been deployed to Southwest Asia with the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire department. To attend the event, Airman Siewert was flown to Scott AFB, Ill.
"Being taken from the area of responsibility to represent the Yellow Tails at Scott AFB is an honor and a privilege," said Airman Siewert. "I am proud to be able to come back to the AOR and finish my time helping with the mission over here."
[Airman 1st Class Ian Hoachlander, Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs, contributed to this article].