Thunderbolt of the Week: Senior Airman Benjamin O'Mara
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.. --
Organization: 56th Operations Support Squadron, Radar Approach Air Traffic Controller
Hometown: Hastings, Mich.
Years in service: Three
Education: Pursuing a Community College of the Air Force degree in airway science
Previous assignments: Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
Inspirations: My uncle, a retired Marine Corps colonel and aviator
Goals: Retire as an Air Force chief master sergeant
Greatest feat: Getting ATC-rated in Balad, Iraq, in five days, the second busiest military ATC facility in the world
Self-description: Self-motivated, flexible and hard worker
Famous last words: "Roll with it."
Off-duty interests: Mountain biking, basketball, skiing and snowboarding
Commander's comments: "Airman O'Mara was a perfect selection for the demanding
ATC deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq," said Lt. Col. David Julazadeh, 56th OSS
commander. "He played a vital role in the smooth execution of 50,000 dynamic joint
aircraft operations and a critical role in prioritizing more than 200 medical evacuation flights, guaranteeing immediate medical attention for our injured troops. A star
performer at every stop in his military career, Ben's tenacious work ethic and
sensational motivation are priceless. His superb day-today performance and
nfectious enthusiasm provide a positive impact on training the world's greatest fighter
pilots. Every day of his military career, Airman O'Mara is a shining example of a Luke
Thunderbolt."
Organization: 56th Operations Support Squadron, Radar Approach Air Traffic Controller
Hometown: Hastings, Mich.
Years in service: Three
Education: Pursuing a Community College of the Air Force degree in airway science
Previous assignments: Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
Inspirations: My uncle, a retired Marine Corps colonel and aviator
Goals: Retire as an Air Force chief master sergeant
Greatest feat: Getting ATC-rated in Balad, Iraq, in five days, the second busiest military ATC facility in the world
Self-description: Self-motivated, flexible and hard worker
Famous last words: "Roll with it."
Off-duty interests: Mountain biking, basketball, skiing and snowboarding
Commander's comments: "Airman O'Mara was a perfect selection for the demanding
ATC deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq," said Lt. Col. David Julazadeh, 56th OSS
commander. "He played a vital role in the smooth execution of 50,000 dynamic joint
aircraft operations and a critical role in prioritizing more than 200 medical evacuation flights, guaranteeing immediate medical attention for our injured troops. A star
performer at every stop in his military career, Ben's tenacious work ethic and
sensational motivation are priceless. His superb day-today performance and
nfectious enthusiasm provide a positive impact on training the world's greatest fighter
pilots. Every day of his military career, Airman O'Mara is a shining example of a Luke
Thunderbolt."
