Creativity in caring for others, mission helps sergeant earns recognition

KANDAHAR AIR BASE, Afghanistan – Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Townsley, 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Attack Squadron, Townsley was recently recognized by the Air Force with a Lew Allen winner. This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of base-level officers and Senior NCOs in aircraft, munitions or missile maintenance directly involved in aircraft sortie generation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Keith Brown)

Published Sept. 5, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
AFCENT News Team

KANDAHAR AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. Hymae isn't your typical Airman. Throughout his career he's been kidnapped several times, STEP promoted and has traveled to many far away lands. Most recently, he helped his best friend in being awarded the Lew Allen award.

Sergeant Hymae is also a life-sized stuffed doll.

The sergeant, dressed in a desert "camo" uniform complete with tan boots, was an idea brought to life by Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Townsley, 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Attack Squadron, during a deployment to Turkey at a time when his unit's morale was low.

Sergeant Townsley went to a Turkish tailor shop and special ordered a doll to his exact height and size. The Predator crew chief said he believes his $90 investment has paid off, lifting morale on every deployment he has been on since. Sergeant Townesley has deployed with Sergeant Hymae in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.

One of the reasons that Sergeant Townsley was recently recognized by the Air Force as a Lew Allen winner is his innovative ways in keeping the Airmen he works with motivated. This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of base-level officers and Senior NCOs in aircraft, munitions or missile maintenance directly involved in aircraft sortie generation.

The 24-year Air Force veteran, deployed here from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., said he is not looking to win awards.

"It is not goal of mine to achieve awards; my goal is to do whatever job I need to do," said the native of St. Joseph, Ill. "It is nice ... they think I am worthy of the award, but it is something that comes just because you do what you are supposed to do."

Sergeant Townsley has watched on as his creation has taken on a life of its own, allowing his Airmen a creative way to blow off steam. He said he feels this outlet is good for his team.

"You are only as good as the people who work with you," Sergeant Townsley said. "I don't think that I personally achieved this award; I think that the guys who worked with me achieved this award."