An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Air Force selects reservist as top first sergeant

  • Published
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Air Force has selected a traditional reservist as its First Sergeant of the Year for 2008.

Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Gray of the 328th Airlift Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., is reportedly the first member of the air reserve components chosen for the annual award.

"It's all about helping people," said Sergeant Gray, describing his military and civilian jobs.

Sergeant Gray recently deployed to Afghanistan for eight months as first sergeant of the755th Expeditionary Mission Support Group.

While there, he cared for more than 1,000 Airmen at 20 remote locations. They performed a unique mission - the provincial reconstruction, security and training of local Afghan national army soldiers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His concern for the welfare of his people directly helped them perform their wartime mission.

Sergeant Gray began his military career as an aircraft electrical systems specialist. He has since taken assignments in combat communications, satellite communications, wing history and a first sergeant in services, communications and operations.

He is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and a 12-year veteran firefighter with the City of Buffalo, certified as an emergency medical technician and fire service instructor.

"I'm assigned to a rough neighborhood, so I've seen a lot," said the firefighter. "I've seen stabbings, shootings, watched buildings burn down and saved them. I've saved babies and had them die, seen my fellow fire fighters hurt and brought them back from the edge."

The Air Force established its first sergeant of the year award in1985 to recognize the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Air Force members in the first sergeant special duty career field. Nominees are considered in the areas of leadership and job performance in their primary duty, significant self-improvement, and base or community involvement.

The Air Force Sergeants Association will present the award to Sergeant Gray during an awards banquet at its annual convention in August in San Antonio, Texas. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)