509th AMXS airman nominated for General Lew Allen Jr. award

  • Published
  • By Candy Knight
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo --  In keeping with the values of individual responsibility for mission success, and respect for the worth and dignity of every Airman, Air Force Global Strike Command recently selected an airman with the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as its nominee for the 2012 General Lew Allen Jr. Trophy.

Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Bicknell, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Aircraft Section Superintendent, is one of two AGFSC nominees for the award, which honors the accomplishments of a base-level officer and senior NCO in aircraft, munitions or missile maintenance directly involved in aircraft sortie generation. This is the first time Bicknell has been nominated for this award.

"This is very humbling to say the least," he said. "I want my wife, Nikki, and my two girls, Rylee and Karmen, to know I appreciate their support always and love them dearly for it."

Bicknell is being recognized for many accomplishments including directly leading, supervising and managing 73 crew chiefs, maintaining 10 B-2s and aircraft equipment valued at more than $22 billion.

He is also a member of the 509th Maintenance Group's B-2 Window Change Continuous Process Improvement Team that was recently selected as finalist for the 2012 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award.

"As aircraft section superintendent, I get the privilege to work alongside phenomenal maintainers on a daily basis. Without them, we would have an aircraft ramp full of extremely cool planes that can't fly and then there would be no mission. As to where my particular job fits into the overall AFGSC mission, I would say right between 'equip them to succeed' and 'trust the experts."

Bicknell said that while he is excited about his nomination and recognition, he has an even greater appreciation for the Airmen who keep the mission going.

"When a B-2 launches, does a stadium fly over, or performs in an air show, most spectators are impressed with the aircraft itself. However, if they only knew the dedicated efforts of the Airmen that made it happen, I believe they would have even greater gratitude for what is done behind the scenes. I know I do."

Bicknell also added that no matter what, Airmen should always strive to do their best, because someone is recognizing their efforts every day, regardless of whether they are good, bad, or indifferent.

"I want [Airmen] to know that if they are truly working hard and bringing a positive attitude to work on a daily basis, someone is already recognizing their efforts, whether they realize it or not. It may not always be the commander, chief, or supervisor, but the people around them that see it, and down the road it will pay off in measurable as well as immeasurable ways."