CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Senior Airman Calvin Allen Jr., is a member of the 437th Airlift Wing Command Post and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than six years.
He is currently deployed to the Middle East, and is assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron.
In his deployed unit, Airman Allen is an Air Mobility Control Center controller and an Operations Event and Incident Report monitor. As an AMCC controller, he ensures seamless operation between aircrews and busy support agencies.
"We are the focal point of the operational information that is gathered and disseminated throughout the area of responsibility regarding Air Mobility Command missions," he said.
While at Charleston AFB, Airman Allen is a 437 AW Command Post senior controller and an anti-terrorism and force protection representative. As a senior controller, he ensures shift duties are performed properly, which includes keeping accurate events logs, monitoring messages and maintaining shift inventories.
According to Airman Allen, what he likes best about his job is the opportunity to interact with all vital base agencies.
"The command post is the eyes and ears of the wing commander," he said. "I am responsible for briefing time-critical information as well as higher headquarters directives to all group and squadron commanders."
Airman Allen said he supports Team Charleston's mobility mission by managing aircrew requests to make sure they are airborne according to schedule.
"As a command post controller I ensure missions launch on time to take vital supplies to fellow deployed Airmen downrange by working with support agencies for all requests made by aircrews," he said.
This "warrior of the week" hails from Richmond, Va. He was drawn to the Air Force 11 years ago by the prospect of a stable career of his choosing.
Airman Allen said two of his long-term goals are to retire after 20 years of military service and to earn a degree in business management.
In his free time, Airman Allen also volunteers with the Windsor Hill Elementary School reading program.
"Airman Allen demonstrates leadership qualities at the AMCC that are invaluable. He is the go-to person for all subjects AMC related," said Tech. Sgt. Diana Tamayo, AMCC superintendent.