Tech. Sgt. Aaron C. Brackett, the 312th Training Squadron
rescue course NCO in charge, adjusts his hard hat’s chin strap before rappelling
at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy April 8, 2015.
Brackett and his students assess safety precautions before conducting any
training at the fire academy. (U.S. Air force photo/Airman 1st Class Devin
Boyer)
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Tech. Sgt. Aaron
C. Brackett, the 312th Training Squadron rescue course NCO in charge, received
the 2014 Air Force Fire Service Instructor of the Year award, March 27.
The award recognizes Airmen for contributions to the success
of the Air Force and Defense Department fire emergency service missions.
"Receiving this award is a great testimony to the guys
that I work with in the rescue office," Brackett said. "We all work
very hard each and every day. With this course, we also travel around the DOD
teaching rope rescue principles; we are a representation of the Air Force and
the Louis F. Garland DOD Fire Academy."
Brackett trains and develops rescue technicians at the fire
academy, preparing them for low- and high-angle rope rescues, and confined
space emergencies.
"The thing I like most about my job is getting to meet
people from all over the DOD," Brackett said. "We have all branches
of the military and civilians from all over the world. It's great to see a
group of 10 to 12 people not knowing each other on day one, and then by the
first week of the course they start working as a team. By week three, they
usually are working very well together to get the task done."
At the age of 23, Brackett enlisted in the Air Force as a firefighter
and after 11 years of service, he still finds motivation to continue serving.
"I think about some of the individuals I have had the
chance to work with that have retired and are still serving, just as
civilians," he said. "It's so cool to see that they still want to be
a part of the military family."
Brackett said his job is just a small part of the puzzle
that makes the Air Force machine work, but still believes in its importance.
"Without fire protection, the Air Force would not be
able to effectively continue the mission," he said. "I understand
that I am one person of many and that if I am not there, our mission will still
go on."
Master Sgt. Michael D. Champion, the 312th TRS fire officer
courses NCO in charge, is one of many who said he believe Brackett's title of
Air Force Fire Service Instructor of the Year is well deserved.
"Tech. sergeant Brackett is an outstanding NCO and
advanced course instructor," Champion said. "He can always be found
taking care of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilian teammates. In
fact, you will find him at any given moment; taking care of others before
himself."
Brackett defined "service" as putting others and
the mission before one's self and understands the importance of his service in
the Air Force.
"He is the last to ever actively seek recognition or
even eat for that matter," Champion added. "That is another reason
why he truly deserves this accolade. He leads from the front, but is equally
versed in followership. That is why tech. sergeant Brackett is such a
phenomenal instructor and motivator; he takes care of people first, promoting a
learning environment of dignity and respect."
Brackett will leave Goodfellow for his next assignment in
the summer where he will continue his career at Joint Base Charleston, South
Carolina.
