CES Airman brings home Air Force level award

Published March 24, 2017
By Airman Jacob Deatherage
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Ashley Arnold, 460th Civil Engineer Squadron Requirements and Optimization NCO in-charge, won the 2016 Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia Award for demonstrating superior job performance as an NCO in her career field.

Arnold was recognized based on her job performance, management ability, technical competence, initiative and resourcefulness.

Some of her accomplishments included executing a high volume of Air Force database reviews, which helped prepare the base for next generation technology systems. She led an engineering support section, working beyond her rank as an NCO for seven months. Arnold also executed 1,200 work orders and 7,500 man hours for nine work centers, and coordinated $800 thousand in materials and labor.

“Sgt. Arnold has been eager to learn and motivated to work since her first day of arrival,” said Master Sgt. Adrian Talavera, 460th Civil Engineer Operations Engineering superintendent. “Her dedication to duty and hard work was critical in managing customer service and implementing TRIRIGA, CE's new work management system.”

Carrying out tasks beyond her rank, Arnold was also responsible for the inventorying and scheduling maintenance of the installation’s heating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and structural equipment.

“We are all called upon to become experts and apply what we have learned to perform our jobs to the best of our abilities,” said Arnold. “I actively seek out ways to learn more and become the best operations manager I can be.”

Although Arnold earned the award individually, she still gives credit to those who have supported and pushed her along the way.

“To me, this award shows me that I am doing the right thing and on the right path,” said Arnold. “I think we all just want to do well at our jobs and contribute our piece to the Air Force. This award means I’m doing my piece. Being recognized like this makes me incredibly thankful for the supervisors and leaders who have challenged, mentored and taught me.”

Senior Master Sgt. Scott Smith, 460th CES senior enlisted manager, added the award is an honor for the entire squadron. It not only represents the hard work and sacrifice of Staff Sgt. Arnold, but it is a reflection of all the hard work and sacrifice of the men and women of the 460th CES.