Deployed reservist earns fuels hall of fame honors

Published July 22, 2011
By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- When it comes to pumping gas, Senior Airman Matthew Ronan is king.

While deployed to the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron in Southwest Asia, the 512th Airlift Wing reservist pumped 5.5 million gallons of JP-8 gas to coalition aircraft, which not only earned him the title of "Servicing King of the Rotation" but got him inducted into the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Hall of Fame.

"Matt has not only changed our flight's perspective on the incredible work ethics and unwavering dedication of our Reserve brothers and sisters, but he has single-handedly done so to the entire 379th AEW, resulting in him being cemented forever in its history as a 379th AEW Hall of Fame Inductee," said Capt. Jenny Russell, 379th ELRS Fuels Management Flight commander in an e-mail to Ronan's supervisor, Master Sgt. David Jackson, 512th LRS.

The 512th LRS fuels distribution operator is one of 11 Airmen selected for the honor.

The 379th AEW is the largest expeditionary wing in the world, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. Thousands of Airmen - plus joint and coalition tenants -- fly 30 percent of the daily air tasking order sorties. The 379th AEW is one of the top three installations providing aerial port movements and handles more jet fuel than five U.S. Air Force installations combined.
Ronan played a key role in the 379th LRS mission by fueling 1,174 aircraft with an 8 minute and 27 second average response time.

While some agencies have employee of the month, in the fuels field, Ronan's work ethic earned him squadron honors of "Pumper of the Month" and was a four-time Million Gallon Club Member.

"It's rewarding to receive recognition from my supervisors and co-workers for my hard work," he said.

So, what fuels the gas guy's drive to be so high-speed?

"When you keep yourself busy, it makes the day go a lot faster," Ronan said. "Busier is better; I like to be busy; and, with this job, there is always something to do."

He said he also enjoys being out in the fresh air. But, working outside on a paved runway in the desert isn't easy.

Having to contend with the heat is a challenge, he said. He's worked in conditions as hot as 120 degrees with a heat index of 140 degrees.

"You could roast a chicken out there on the flight line," he said.

Despite the oven-like conditions while deployed or at home station, Ronan doesn't let that stop him from getting the job done.

"He doesn't have an off button when he goes to work," said Jackson, who added that Ronan was the 22nd Air Force Fuels Airman of the Year in 2010. "We had no doubt he would excel. He's always willing to step up to the challenge. We are extremely proud of him."

His Dover Air Force Base counterparts are not the only ones singing his praises.

"Thank you for lending us a wing superstar," Russell said. "We are humbled by everything he has provided to our flight, squadron and wing. He will forever be missed and remembered."