4th OSS airfield managers lead the way

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Two U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 4th Operations Support Squadron earned recognition from Air Force officials as leading professionals in airfield management for 2011.

The airforce.com definition of an airfield manager is someone who ensures a safe, efficient and effective airfield environment.

Senior Maser Sgt. Ronda Davis, 4th OSS airfield manager, and Master Sgt. Antonio Cooper, 4th OSS airfield management craftsman, both received Air Force-level awards in the airfield management career field for work they accomplished both at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and while deployed.

"I am extremely proud of Davis and Cooper for their selection as award-winning airfield managers," said Lt. Col. Paul Birch, 4th OSS commander. "Having two superstars of this caliber in the same squadron yields extraordinary results and I admire both of these leaders for their success."

According to Birch, both Davis and Cooper continuously display selfless service while handling the intensity of their career field.

"Few people realize the demand under which the airfield at Seymour Johnson operates," Birch said. "Davis and Cooper take it in stride, quietly supporting the mission and encouraging the Airmen under them to take pride in their contribution to national defense."

Davis has been acknowledged in her career field more than five times at the major command level, and once at the Air Force level. She gives all credit of her recognition to the people who taught and mentored her throughout her 21 years of service and is continuously motivated by the feeling of accomplishment.

"I do my job to the best of my ability and never look for the recognition or awards," Davis said. "I feel my hard work pays off when I hear the sound of aircraft taking off from a repaired runway or aircraft bringing Airmen back home to their families after a long deployment."

Davis and Cooper's drive to be the best possible senior non-commissioned officers and airfield managers comes from the Airmen they supervise. The airfield management duo hopes to continue to inspire their Airmen by setting the example and encouraging them to always put their best foot forward.