55th Wing sergeant receives Air Force level award Published Sept. 16, 2014 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Master Sgt. Eric Kent, 1st Aircraft Maintenance Unit was recently awarded the 2013 Air Force Exceptional Innovator of the Year Award for saving the U.S. Air Force more than $200,000. Kent's technical expertise and innovation led him to author significant changes to maintenance Technical Orders to prevent certain types of damage to the E4B which will make a lasting impact for future missions. "This award is a true testament to Master Sgt. Kent's devotion to duty, and is a great example of how the hard-working men and women of Team Offutt continue to make this wing shine," said Brig. Gen. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and damage that keeps this aircraft from doing its mission puts more at risk than just the Air Force budget. "After the discovery of the damage, I found that it could have possibly been prevented," Kent said. "I noticed that there were no specific maintenance inspections on the affected system. I submitted an [Technical Manual Change Recommendation and Reply] form which was approved to add inspection criteria...that thus far have ensured no further system malfunctions." "The biggest motivation was safety of flight and ensuring continued mission success," Kent said. "The amount of aircraft downtime that would be required to repair similar damage to another aircraft would be extensive and costly; not only monetarily but also in aircraft mission capability." Through the IDEA program, Kent was awarded $10,000 and now with the announcement of winning the 2013 Air Force Innovator of the Year Award, he has been authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon. "Knowing our current fiscal restraints in the Air Force it makes me feel great that I was able to contribute just a little bit," he said. "Hopefully my small contribution will allow that money to be spent elsewhere to support the mission and continue to ensure our freedom." Because Kent took the time to fill out a form, changes were made that not only has the potential to save the Air Force money and something more important, the lives of his fellow Airmen. "Don't ever be afraid to initiate change, regardless of your rank or position," he added.