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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Khandzhayan, a protocol liaison for the 86th Airlift Wing, was recognized as the Airlifter of the Week on Nov. 19 at Ramstein Air Base.
Airlifter of the Week is a wing-level award granted to 86th AW Airmen who exemplify the wing’s standards of excellence as the world’s best wing.
Staff Sgt. “Khan,” as he commonly goes by, earned this distinguished title by proving to be a vital asset to the 86th AW for the past year while assigned as a protocol member.
Khan’s exceptional job performance led to the success of 19 high-visibility events during July and August, including the organization of the Kaiserslautern Military Community’s USO celebrity tour, the 3rd Air Force command chief immersion tour, and fulfilling key advisor duties for multiple change-of-command, retirement, and promotion ceremonies.
U.S. Air Force Col. Matt Husemann, 86th AW vice commander and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto J. Rendon, 86th AW command chief, surprised Khan at his office to applaud him for his hard work.
“What you do here every day for the men and women of this base and us is amazing,” Husemann said. “It’s just awesome to be able to come down here and recognize you as a phenomenal Airman, and the Airlifter of the Week.”
Rendon, who has grown to know Khan personally through the nature of their positions and shared ‘port dawg’ heritage, cracked jokes with him throughout the celebration.
After sharing laughs, Rendon went on to compliment Khan on his level of adaptability and seamlessness of performance. Khan, however, attributed his success to encouragement from his family.
“I am grateful to have had an opportunity to be in the position I am in today,” Khan said. “I would not be here right now without the support of my wife and the opportunities the Air Force has provided me.”
Khan’s Air Force expertise is as an air transportation specialist. He is currently wrapping up his 13-month special-duty assignment as a protocol Airman; once Khan finishes these duties, he will return to his home at the 721st Aerial Port Squadron.
Outside of his work life, Khan carves out time for his favorite hobbies, including making candles, traveling and working out. Khan and his wife, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mariela Sanchez, an aircraft metals technician from the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, flew home to get married in October of 2019 amidst their demanding jobs and crazy life together at Ramstein.
Sanchez isn’t surprised by her husband’s recognition, as she has always been his biggest fan and most prominent supporter.
“Don’t let his good looks fool you, my husband is beauty and brains,” Sanchez said.
