GNCOA staff member receives AETC award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Russell Pember, Director of Resources at the Goodfellow NCO Academy, was recognized by Air Education and Training Command with a 2006 Enlisted Professional Military Education Achievement Award.

Master Sgt. Pember was the recipient for the award in Category II: NCO Academy Instructor of the Year.

"Master Sgt. Pember is a compassionate, committed senior NCO whose day-to-day efforts exemplify our Core Values," commented Chief Master Sgt. Edy Agee, Goodfellow NCO Academy commandant.

The AETC EPMEA Award recognizes the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of the applicant's job performance, including contributions to mission effectiveness, leadership and mentorship in the workplace, and professional and career development and improvement. To a lesser degree, nominations also emphasize contributions, participation and activities outside of job duties.

Master Sgt. Pember's recent recognition appears to only solidify and showcase what his colleagues and fellow Airmen already know about him as a worker and person.

"I'm proud to see any Airman receive recognition, but I am especially proud of Master Sgt. Pember and the leadership he provides at the Goodfellow NCO Academy," Chief Agee said.

"Master Sgt. Pember's selection for this award is well deserved. He has a servant's heart and going the extra mile is his norm, not the exception. He is consistently the person his peers and students call upon to get things done," added Chief Agee about the 14-year veteran.

Master Sgt. Pember stated he felt shocked and surprised after he received the e-mail notification about his recent award. He was quick to be modest and give thanks to others.

"I would like to thank my family, especially my wife, for being so supportive of me and my career. I would also like to thank the commandant and the entire GNCO Academy staff for helping me and supporting me during this past year," Sergeant Pember said.
True to his character, Master Sgt. Pember humbly continued to refocus some the attention about his recent accomplishment toward other Airmen, with specific mentioning of one.

"I have enjoyed my time here at Goodfellow. It is an honor to work with great Airmen everyday here. This academy has a very distinguished history and I am happy that this award has been won the past two years by an instructor here," Sergeant Pember said.

"Master Sgt. (Theresa) Meyer, our current Director of Education, won this award last year," he added.

While some people might believe that an award at a level like that of AETC might sway some people may take a more passive approach to their job performance, Chief Agee believes other wise about Master Sgt. Pember.

"I expect that he will only continue to grow and succeed in his future endeavors. Leadership is about studying, growth and humility, three things he (Master Sgt. Pember) has under control.