18th Air Force honors Airman Published March 7, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- One of Travis' very own Airmen was recognized Feb. 22 for unwavering dedication to the mission and exemplifying the Air Force culture of excellence. Tech. Sgt. Jose Ramon Jr., 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flightline expediter, was recognized by Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, and awarded the 18th Air Force Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2012. Ramon, who has served for 11 years and 7 months, attributes the award to those who came before him and helped shape him to be the Airman he is today. "I have been fortunate to have supervisors that have constantly challenged me both personally and professionally," he said. "They taught me the importance of constant development, staying involved and standing with your team in order to accomplish the mission." According to Ramon, the Airmen that comprise the maintenance squadron are equally as responsible for his success in the Air Force. "I am inspired by people that have passion and express it through enthusiasm and motivation in whatever they are a part of," Ramon said. "I get to witness this on a daily basis when members of my team endure harsh weather, operations tempo and unending tasks to launch aircraft all while having a good time." During 2012 Ramon was hand selected by his leadership to assist in the base's Resiliency Training goals, where he met Tech. Sgt. Joseph Bogdan, 60th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness NCO. The Master Resiliency Training focuses on building the core competencies that contribute to resilience, Bogdan said. It provides Airmen with the necessary training to stay mentally fit, and the ability to bounce back from low points. Ramon left such an impression that the A&FRC then selected him to represent Travis at Air Mobility Command's Master Resiliency Training Certification, Bogdan said. "One of the ways I can best demonstrate his character is in regards to his contributions the Master Resiliency Training program here on Travis," Bogdan said. "He has spent numerous hours enhancing our curriculum on his personal time, not only because of the passion he has for the culture change, but also because of his selfless dedication to helping our total force." For Ramon, the quote, "Always do more than is required of you," by Gen. George Patton is the adage that he aspires to reflect in his personal and professional life. His colleagues attest that his character reflects just that. "It is a rarity to find someone who truly cares about people and the mission, and amazingly to the extent of which he does, in today's society," Bogdan said. "He truly exceeds the expectations of an NCO." As part of a team that ensures daily training sorties, global missions, and special taskings are accomplished safely and efficiently, Ramon's dedication is derived from knowing that what the Air Force does makes a difference around the globe, he said. The collective effort provides the medical care, infrastructure and supplies needed to provide relief and hope to nations and families. "This award is a testament to the pride and dedication of the men and women of my unit and it is a blessing to represent them," Ramon said.