AGOW Airman lands communications award

by Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Photo8a
Photo by Senior Airman Caitlin Guinazu
Staff Sgt. Brandon York, 1st Communication Operations Squadron cable and antenna systems journeyman, poses for photo May 23. York is the current recipient of the Maj. Gen. Gerald L. Prather Communications and Information Professional of the Year Award.

The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing recently recognized Staff Sgt. Brandon York, 1st Air and Space Communication Operations Squadron cable and antenna systems journeyman, for the Maj. Gen. Gerald L. Prather Communications and Information Professional of the Year Award.

The award recognizes the Airman who distinguishes himself in a communications career field.

York was deployed to Southwest Asia for more than 170 days, where he led 11 net infrastructure projects, extended communications to seven new facilities and provided KC-10 Extender flight crew emergency alert services, as well as a plethora of other achievements.

“While I was deployed, I (volunteered) and I went to school. I really had to make sure I stayed ahead of everything,” York said. “I had to work my butt off.”

The 1st CMXS is part of the 435th Air and Space Communications Group, one of three groups assigned to the 435th AGOW.

“It’s pretty awesome. I mean, not everyone has the opportunity that I have in my career,” York said. “My commander came to congratulate me, but I didn’t even know I won.”

The 1st CMXS is vital due to high demand and is one of very few teams that can perform recertification and communication functions in Europe. The job itself is a special-duty assignment, where only a select few make it to Ramstein.

“Sergeant York is a hard worker and proved that he deserved it,” said Tech Sgt. William Liggins, 435th Air and Ground Operations Wing cable and antenna systems team member.