De Leon to compete at AF-level Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Education and Training Command recently selected the 363rd Training Squadron director of operations, Capt. Pedro De Leon, to compete for the Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award at the Air Force level.

Captain De Leon won the AETC competition for the Company Grade Munitions and Missile Maintenance Manager category.

The Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award is presented to maintainers who have demonstrated the highest degree of sustained job performance, job knowledge, job efficiency and results in the categories of aircraft, munitions and missile, and communications-electronics maintenance.

The captain said this award was very humbling and made him feel proud to be a member of "this great Air Force".

"My first thought was wow" the captain said. "I could not believe I was being congratulated. I'm still truly amazed and speechless; at the same time honored to receive such a distinguished award."

Captain De Leon said he was awed when he received the award, but didn't hesitate to say that this award was result of the "overall success" of all the men and women of the 363rd TRS.

"This award showcases the dedication of true professionals doing what they do best, which is training future Airmen to sustain the Air Force for the next generation," the captain said. "This is sound proof of the overall success of the 363rd TRS and the squadron member's abilities to train Airmen in analysis, armament, aircraft, munitions and nuclear maintenance career fields."

Lt. Col. Carlos Dalmau, 363rd TRS commander, said he nominated Captain De Leon for this maintenance award because he assumed, and executed, all of the requirements the individual must perform.

"He was the right choice for this award in this category," the colonel said. "Captain De Leon has been pivotal to the day- to-day operation of the 363rd TRS, not only in the training aspect of our mission but also ensuring our facilities and training equipment is in top condition."

Colonel Dalmau said he was proud of the captain's accomplishment and said it is a "tremendous achievement."

"Being selected for an award at the MAJCOM level in today's competitive Air Force is a tremendous achievement that only a selected group of folks have the qualities and record to garner such distinction," the colonel said. "He is a hard worker and his selection is well deserved...now let's aim for the Air Force level."

Colonel Dalmau agreed with the captain that the award he was given was because of the team work at the 363rd TRS .

"We cannot do everything by ourselves and his selection is a reflection of the hard work the 363rd TRS personnel do on a regular basis," the colonel said. "You depend and count on each unit member to tackle a small or big challenge, look for solutions, and implement them to do our mission more efficiently."

According to the citation that accompanied the award, the captain seamlessly managed 3-shift training operations, 125 instructors, 650 students and $400 million in training aircraft. Capt. De Leon took on a pivotal role in administering the 82nd Training Wing's largest Personnel Reliability Program, vital to satisfying more than 200 Air Force personnel taskings and supplying combat ready technicians to 10 major commands. Lastly, he coordinated with Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center on the management of 35 tactical missile test sets valued at $3 million, sustaining training production while maintaining worldwide Air Expeditionary Force visibility.