Thunderbolt of the Week: Senior Airman Benjamin O'Mara Published Dec. 8, 2006 56th Operations Support Squadron LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.. -- Organization: 56th Operations Support Squadron, Radar Approach Air Traffic ControllerHometown: 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 demandingATC deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq," said Lt. Col. David Julazadeh, 56th OSScommander. "He played a vital role in the smooth execution of 50,000 dynamic jointaircraft operations and a critical role in prioritizing more than 200 medical evacuation flights, guaranteeing immediate medical attention for our injured troops. A starperformer at every stop in his military career, Ben's tenacious work ethic andsensational motivation are priceless. His superb day-today performance and nfectious enthusiasm provide a positive impact on training the world's greatest fighterpilots. Every day of his military career, Airman O'Mara is a shining example of a LukeThunderbolt."