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A Ramstein technical sergeant was recently named the recipient of the Airlift/Tanker Association’s Col. Gail Halvorsen Award for 2007 for sustained excellence in aerial port operations.
Tech. Sgt. Kody Pruitt, 603rd Air Mobility Division assistant NCOIC of requirements
division, was presented the award at the A/TA convention this week in Anaheim, Calif.
The award is named after retired Colonel Halvorsen, the famed “Candy Bomber,” who gained popularity among West Berlin’s young residents by tossing candy from his C-54 Skymaster aircraft. He flew during Operation Vittles in the Berlin Airlift where he instituted “Operation Little Vittles” by dropping small parachutes laden with candy to the children of Berlin.
Each year, the A/TA recognizes an air transportation specialist who has demonstrated superior leadership, made outstanding contributions to the airlift/tanker mission and provides invaluable service to their civilian communities.
“Sergeant Pruitt is a down-to-earth, hard-charging Airman who exemplifies what it means to be an NCO,” said Lt. Col. Richard Clark, 603rd AMD airlift control team chief. “He is a great example of how the U.S. military has the best NCO corps in the world. His professional manner is top notch; personally, he is an endurance athlete and a dedicated family man.”
Sergeant Pruitt entered the Air Force in 1992 and began his technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. He has a diverse air transportation background, having served in the Pacific and European theaters at more than six different assignments.
“There are some truly outstanding 2T2s (air transportation AFSC) in my career field, and to be selected as the Gail Halvorson Award winner is truly an honor,” Sergeant Pruitt said. “I did not set out to win the award. Every day that I come to work I try to do the best job for the Air Force that I know how; this award is just a dividend to how hard work pays off.”
Sergeant Pruitt was recognized as the 2007 NCO of the Year for his squadron. While attending the Expeditionary Site Survey Course, he earned a class-high 98 percent and helped expand U.S. Air Force’s in Europe’s global mobility reach. He also completed 95 percent of his Air Transportation Management degree through the Community College of the Air Force, earning a 3.5 GPA.
The sergeant also made great contributions to the community throughout the year,
sponsoring the American Diabetes Association “Tour de Cure,” which helped contribute $13 million toward research. He briefed 10 flag officers and foreign dignitaries during three distinguished visitors’ tours and created a Web site for a local church.
“Having an Airman like Sergeant Pruitt is awesome,” said his supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Davis Cameron, 603rd AMD assistant NCOIC of requirements. “It is always great to have dedicated, faithful and trustworthy subordinates and co-workers who are go-getters.”
Sergeant Cameron added that Sergeant Pruitt truly deserves to win the award as a reward for his work ethic and his hard work.
“Often, we tend to reward the folks we want to reward, to set them up for success. This time, the Air Force rewarded a truly deserving individual,” Sergeant Cameron said. “He is a testament to all that hard work and dedication will be recognized.”
