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A Ramstein Airman was presented with the Air Force Transportation Airman of the Year award May 27 at the Logistics Annual Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C.
Senior Airman Aaron Luetzen, 721st Aerial Port Squadron and 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing passenger service agent, was presented the award from Lt. Gen. Loren M. Reno, Headquarters U.S. Air Force deputy chief of staff for logistics, and Sue Lumpkins, Headquarters U.S. Air Force Senior Executive Service deputy director of logistics.
Airman Luetzen’s daily tasks entailed checking, processing and building cargo as well as downloading and uploading trucks. But, Airman Luetzen is known for doing whatever is needed to get the job done.
“He is a ‘Port Dawg,’ so whatever needs to be done to accomplish the mission, he did,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Shriver, 721st APS and Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program manager. “Airman Luetzen is the real deal go getter. He sees an opportunity to get involved or accomplish something that needs to be done and he does it; he does not wait to be told.”
Not only does Airman Luetzen get the job done, he does it with pride, knowing he is a small piece of the big picture.
“Moving cargo downrange knowing that you’re helping troops is comforting,” he said. “Also, doing volunteer work around the KMC is a self-rewarding cause with the local work, I see the effects.”
As the North Dakota native works, he understands he is affecting the fight at forward deployed locations.
“I believe we greatly help with the fight no matter what your opinion on the fight may be,” he said. “We support more than just a war; we support the troops fighting the war.”
His positive and hard-charging attitude after arriving at Ramstein is what separated him from everyone else, Sergeant Shriver said.
“When he first arrived, he asked what a lot of new Airmen ask, ‘What do I need to do to get senior Airman below the zone?’” he said. “We told him learn your job, keep your nose clean, school, volunteer, be proactive and keep notes on all you do. As I said, a lot of new Airmen will ask and get the same answers, but the difference was Airman Luetzen asked and did — above and beyond.”
Though he strived to his best both on and off duty, the Air Force level award caught him by surprise.
“I was not expecting it at all. I really never felt like I was doing enough, but it is truly an honor,” he said. “I worked when I was told, did volunteer work because I have a passion for helping others and went to school because it was free. A lot of it wouldn’t have been possible without the great management within the Air Mobility Command and my squadron.”
And though the award shocked Airman Luetzen, Sergeant Shriver knew it was deserved.
“I am extremely proud. I have never actually known someone to win at that level,” he said. “So it feels good to know someone you know really truly deserved to win.”
