USSTRATCOM Airman Nominated for 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Senior Master Sgt. David Newman, Knowledge Operations Management Flight superintendent, J3 Global Operations Directorate here, was recently nominated as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year in the senior NCO category.

The 12 OAY program, an annual Air Force Association event, recognizes the best Airmen, NCO's and Senior NCO's in the Air Force for their leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.

Photo of Master Sgt. David Newman

"Honestly, I was shocked and humbled," said Sergeant Newman of his selection. "This nomination reminds me of how good it feels to be recognized. "

Some of Sergeant Newman's accomplishments include leading a response team during the recent building flood at STRATCOM, which earned him a Joint Service Achievement Medal and forecasting more than 50 nuclear inspections. He also completed 16 credit hours toward his bachelor's degree and serves as president of STRATCOM's Top 3 organization.

He attributes much of his success to J3 leadership as well as those who have worked for him personally.

"I was afforded various opportunities, some even outside of my career field," he said. "Over the years, I have worked for some great leaders and supervisors, both senior enlisted NCO's and officers, and that trend continues here at STRATCOM. On the flip side of that are the Airmen and NCO's who have worked for me over my career. They are the ones on the front lines, day in and day out, making things happen and getting things done. "

Sergeant Newman said good mentorship plays a large role in setting Airmen up for success. He said his inspiration comes from his grandfather, a World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veteran who was a Navy Seabee for 30 years and worked his way to the officer ranks; and his father, also a Vietnam War veteran, who served in the Navy before becoming a police officer.

Likewise, Sergeant Newman uses his own experience to mentor young Airmen. At one point in his career, he served as an Airman Leadership School Instructor.

"That first level of Professional Military Education is so critical for our Airmen and Junior NCO's. I thoroughly enjoyed the job and felt it was very rewarding," he said.

His drive to succeed and help others has not gone unnoticed. He's earned many awards throughout his career including Airman of the Year at Kirtland AFB, N.M. , Communications and Information Senior NCO of the Year at Peterson AFB, Colo. , as well as multiple awards at STRATCOM.

Today, his supervisors view his nomination as one of the 12 OAY as the next logical step for recognizing his accomplishments.

"In the year that I've worked with Sergeant Newman he has never failed to impress me with his professionalism, his technical knowledge, and his can-do attitude," said Navy Capt. Gary Williams, J3 Chief of Staff. "His involvement and devotion to the personnel assigned to him and his eagerness to take on new and varied responsibilities speaks volumes about the type of individual he is. It is because of all these enviable traits that I often mistakenly refer to him as Senior Chief Petty Officer Newman. "

Sergeant Newman said success might not always come easy, but for Airmen who aspire to achieve what he's accomplished and maybe earn a 12 OAY nomination of their own, he has one piece of advice.

"Hard work and perseverance will pay off in the long run, even if at times it seems it won't," he said.

Nominees for the 12 OAY go through a selection board comprised of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, a general officer, and a selection of MAJCOM command chiefs. Winners will be announced this summer.