Lajes Airman wins AF award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  A Lajes Airman received a grand welcome from his unit members during his recent return to Lajes after attending the World Wide A1 Conference in San Antonio held March 11, where he was honored for winning an Air Force-level award.

Senior Airman Byran Petry, Installation Personnel Readiness Journeyman, was named the Air Force's best "Airman Personnel Manager of the Year."

"I am extremely excited about winning this award," said Airman Petry. "I never imagined that I would win an Air Force-level award."

According to Donald "Tommy" Brooks, operations officer for the 65th Force Support Squadron, maximum participation was sought for Airman Petry's return because, "This award is a huge honor to Airman Petry and to Lajes Field."

For Airman Petry, this is his first Air Force award and is the highest in his career.

The senior airman attributed his success and winning this award to his leadership here at Lajes. "They believed and entrusted me with vital leadership roles," Airman Petry said. "They put me in the forefront to lead and challenged me to my fullest potential. They have always believed in my ability and encouraged me into becoming a better Airman. As mentors, they gave me wonderful advice and taught me to never give up."

Airman Petry is not new to winning awards at the base level. In 2008, he won an award of excellence for the 2008 UCI, and he also won the "Airman of the Quarter" three times at the squadron level and once at the group and wing level.

Airman Petry is also a member of the base honor guard where he once won the Honor Guardsman of the Quarter. Recently the Airman was named the Air Force Sergeant's Association Airman of the Year for Chapter 1653.

According to Tommy Brooks, Airman Petry is the consummate Airman. "His work ethic and personal standards are second to none," Mr. Brooks said. "He makes my job as his supervisor very easy, and I wouldn't trade him for any Airman on base or in the Air Force."

Here is what Senior Airman Petry has to say about himself and his contribution to Lajes' mission:

What do you feel about your contributions to Lajes' mission? I feel great about my contribution to the Lajes mission. I think all of my hard work and dedication has returned to me, a perfect example is winning this award. I think winning this award will open up certain doors for me in my career. Leadership will see that I'm serious about my career and that I'm a fully capable and motivated Airman.

Hometown: My hometown is Abbeville, Louisiana.

Family: My father, mother, brothers: Malcolm and Brandon and my sister -- Laura.

Time at Lajes: I have been at Lajes for two years.

How long have you been in the Air Force? I have been in the Air Force for four years and nine months.

What do you like about being in the Air Force? I like the Air Force culture, traditions and camaraderie. When I joined the Air Force, it was like I joined a big family. The AF takes care of its people and their families. Everywhere I have gone in the AF, I have met new friends and people I consider close as my own family.

What is your favorite quote? "No excuses, just results." Something my dad used to tell me growing up.

Two of your Favorite movies: "Step Brothers" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

What do you do on your time off? On my off time I work out at the gym, watch movies, play games, and chill with friends.

What are the things you like about Lajes? I like the beautiful weather on good days and scenery, also the unique cuisines are very awesome.

Greatest mentor and lesson learned: My greatest mentor is my father. He has raised me into the man I am today and he continues to give me guidance and advice. He is a retired master sergeant and he has been and done everything that I have gone though so far and will go through. He is my inspiration and my drive to become a better person and a better Airman.