Page 3 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, Aug. 24 2018

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August 24, 2018 3 Facebook.com/NellisDesertLightningNews
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by Airman 1st Class Haley Stevens Creech AFB, Nev.
in September 1940, the tuske- gee institute began training afri- can american pilots who would go on to fly more than 15,000 sorties during World War ii, destroy or damage 273 german planes, and inspire the integra- tion of U.S. armed forces.
today, outstanding airmen are recognized with the tuskegee airmen incorporated military awards named after previous tuskegee airmen who distin- guished themselves despite the adversity they faced during their time in service.
one creech member had the distinct honor of receiving the 2017 Senior master Sgt. margaret Frances barbour award and was recognized at the 2018 military Diversity Luncheon in Las Vegas, aug. 9, 2018.
“it’s because of his compas- sion, professionalism and drive that when i saw the award, i knew right away that he was the
guy,” said capt. michael, the awardee’s previous supervisor. “He exceeds every expectation and he really taught me how to take care of people.”
master Sgt. Demetrius, 432nd Wing inspection superinten- dent, shared that he enjoys con- tributing to the remotely Piloted aircraft enterprise, getting in- volved in the local community and mentoring future airmen.
“When you’re doing things for people and trying to help them out, it’s not about what you can get out of it, but what they can get out of it,” Deme- trius said.
Demetrius has not only per- formed exceptionally in his day-to-day duties but has consis- tently ventured outside his scope of military service.
one of Demetrius’ personal accomplishments is gathering inspirational people and talking to youth once every two months at the community juvenile de- tention center, he explained.
“We try to tell them our background story, level with
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Haley Stevens
Master Sgt. Demetrius (center), 432nd Wing inspection superintendent, is presented with the 2017 Senior Master Sgt. Margaret Frances Barbour Award by Leon A. Johnson (left), national president of the Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated and Clarence A. Johnson (right), Washington D.C. Department of Defense Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity Director, at the Military Diversity Luncheon in Las Vegas, Aug. 9, 2018. This award is named after a Tuskegee Airman and is presented to remarkable Airmen who have dedicated themselves to being a mentor in their local and Air Force communities.
them and let them know we see where they’ve come from,” said Demetrius. “We challenge them to find what they really want out of life and inspire them to change their surroundings.”
Though he takes time to help those in the Las Vegas com- munity, Demetrius said he also enjoys guiding first-term airmen in discovering their limitations or even just lending a hand to a stranger with a flat tire.
“my biggest motivation is to inspire togetherness, under- standing and respect for one another,” Demetrius said.
regardless of race, color, ori- gin or gender, the tuskegee air- men awards are presented to remarkable airmen who have dedicated themselves to being a mentor in their local and U.S. air Force communities.
“to our award recipients ... you are carrying forward the torch of those that came before you while you are laying the trail for future military leaders,” said
clarence johnson, Washington D.c. Department of Defense office of Diversity management and Equal opportunity Director. “You should be very proud of your accomplishments and your endeavors. Thank you for your diligence and for your profes- sionalism.”
Those who were honored up- hold the passion, determination and innovation of the airmen who flew before them.
The tuskegee airmen were
part of a movement that altered the military and the world’s perception of minority ser- vice members, and not only overcame adversity, but proved through their unwavering cour- age that prejudice has no place in the military.
Demetrius has already dem- onstrated the spirit of the tuske- gee airmen in his everyday life and plans to continue his efforts in helping people recognize and overcome their challenges.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Haley Stevens
Master Sgt. Demetrius, 432nd Wing inspection superintendent, poses with his wife, son and daughter after receiving the 2017 Senior Master Sgt. Margaret Frances Barbour Award at the Military Diversity Luncheon in Las Vegas, Aug. 9, 2018. These awards were named after Tuskegee Airmen and those who receive them uphold the passion, determination and innovation of the Airmen who flew before them.
RIGHT: Master Sgt. Demetrius, 432nd Wing inspection superintendent, and his son speak with Nancy Colon, an original Tuskegee Airman, at the Military Diversity Luncheon in Las Vegas, Aug. 9, 2018. Demetrius was presented with the 2017 Senior Master Sgt. Margaret Frances Barbour Award by members of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Haley Stevens
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Haley Stevens
Winners of the 2017 and 2018 Tuskegee Airmen Awards pose for group photos at the Military Diversity Luncheon in Las Vegas, Aug. 9, 2018. Master Sgt. Demetrius, 432nd Wing inspection superintendent, has demonstrated the spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen and wishes to continue helping people recognize and overcome the various challenges they are faced with.
CONTACT: Editorial Staff at 334-718-3509 • E-Mail: editor@aerotechnews.com