ANG master sergeant among Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A smile covers his face and his eyes shine like stars in the night sky. In this conference room he sits waiting to answer any questions that may arise. His travels over the past year took him to Washington D.C., the Middle East and back to Nebraska. Today, he shares what it's like to be recognized as one of the Air Force's top enlisted Airmen. 

Master Sgt. Tyrone F. Bingham, host aviation resource manager for the 170th Operational Support Squadron, was recently selected as one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2009. 

With his selection as one of the Air Force's top 12, Sergeant Bingham becomes the first Offutt Airman to earn the honor since 2001, and only the eighth Airman to do so from Offutt. 

"I'm shocked and honored to be recognized as one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year," Sergeant Bingham said. "It's a privilege to be recognized, and it's also the highlight of my career." 

The award recognizes 12 enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. The chief master sergeant of the Air Force, a general officer and selected major command command chief master sergeants form the selection board. 

The Air Force chief of staff reviews the selections. The 12 Outstanding Airmen are awarded the Outstanding Airman ribbon with the bronze service star device and wear the Outstanding Airman badge for one year. They also serve on the Air Force Enlisted Council. 

Sergeant Bingham grew up in the small town of Hopkinsville, Ky. After he graduated high school in 1989, he attended Ferris State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management. In1995, Sergeant Bingham joined the Air Force, and for the past 14 years, he's been working hard to accomplish the Air Force mission, wherever it may take him. 

As host aviation resource manager for the 170th OSS, Sergeant Bingham ensures 1,700 flight records are properly maintained for all of the 55th Wing's flyers. He also supervises four to five workers on a daily basis. 

When Sergeant Bingham isn't hard at work in the offices of the 170th OSS, he volunteers with the Open Door Mission in Omaha and Big Brothers of America. Over the past year he's contributed more than 30 hours helping those in need. Sergeant Bingham is also a member of his unit's top three organization. 

In March of 2008, Sergeant Bingham voluntarily deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While in Afghanistan, he completed more than 360 mission recap reports, helped deliver 50 tons of cargo daily, and provided support for more than 15 Air National Guard C-130s. 

Upon returning from Afghanistan, Sergeant Bingham soon learned that the 55th Wing needed a volunteer for a short notice deployment. Without giving it a second thought, he volunteered to return to the desert. He willingly gave up the opportunity to spend the holidays with his family and friends because, as he explains, it was necessary. 

"I had no problem volunteering for the deployment," Sergeant Bingham said. "I volunteered primarily because as a single person with no children it's much easier for me to deploy than someone who has a family." 

"Christmas and New Year's are important, but they're even more important for families because those moments don't come back," Sergeant Bingham added. "Also, by volunteering, I feel like I helped someone else out." 

Sergeant Bingham's commitment to the mission and demonstration of selfless service is constant, said Lt. Col. Tami S. Thompson, commander of the 170th OSS. 

"He is extremely professional, he does an excellent job mentoring younger Airmen and he's dedicated to staying physically fit," Colonel Thompson said. "Anything you can imagine; he is the epitome of what you would want younger Airmen to model." 

Lt. Col. Kevin S. Dailey, the director of operations for the 170th OSS, agrees with Colonel Thompson. 

Considering the scope of what he does, the personnel he supervises, the flight records he manages, along with the fact that he assists many tenant units and he voluntarily deployed twice in the same year, he clearly exemplifies what an Airman should be, Colonel Dailey said. 

"Sergeant Bingham personifies that whole person concept we talk about," Colonel Dailey said. "He's completed his undergraduate degree and he's pursuing a master's degree, he balances the mission with taking care of people, and he volunteers in the local community," Colonel Dailey continued, "he's the whole package and an excellent non-commissioned officer." 

Being selected as one of the Air Force's top Airmen is an honor, but Sergeant Bingham is thrilled to simply have the opportunity to serve. 

"I feel lucky to be able to serve in some capacity, even though it's a great moment for me, it's great for my unit and the Air National Guard, I'm just thankful that I'm able to give back, that I'm able to serve," Sergeant Bingham said. 

While he's proud to serve, Sergeant Bingham knows the responsibility that comes with it. 

"My number one objective is to set a good example for my fellow Airmen," Sergeant Bingham said. "I wake up every morning knowing the impact I have on the Air Force, it's something I think about the entire day until I go to bed." 

Airmen see what their leaders represent and what they stand for, so senior Airmen must ensure they see nothing but the best, Sergeant Bingham added. "I believe that entails who they'll become or desire to become." 

In September, Sergeant Bingham will be honored at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C. An honor that's long overdue.