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Over one million gallons and counting

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Law
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan --  The previous record here for transferring one million gallons of fuel from a fuel truck to an aircraft was 73 days. But an Airman deployed here from the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, recently raised the bar and reached this milestone in a record-setting 64 days.

"It is incredible," said Senior Airman Rickey Easter, 455th Expeditionary LRS fuels distribution operator. "When I first got here, I wanted to make some sort of mark, at least for myself."

To put this accomplishment into perspective, Airman Easter explained it took almost a year for him to deliver one million gallons of fuel at Elmendorf.

"Every flight chief, every supervisor wants 30 Airmen like Rickey working for them." said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hudson, 455th ELRS Resource Control Center NCO- in-charge. "He set a goal as soon as he got here to pump one million gallons, and he met it, just quicker than he expected."

Airman Easter humbly expressed his appreciation for his coworkers helping him reach his goal.

"This could have easily been any one of my peers," said Airman Easter. "I think it's more a flight award, milestone."

Airman Easter explained that everyone has worked hard and no one purposely stepped aside or gave up deliveries to allow him to reach his goal, but they were instrumental by being very supportive and keeping him motivated.

Although this is Airman Easter's first deployment, this is not the first time his performance has received the attention of his supervisors and leadership.

Prior to deploying, Airman Easter was promoted to senior airman six months early. Since being deployed, he has earned the Pumper of the Month for three consecutive months. This award is given to the Airman who pumps the most fuel throughout a month.

Additionally, he was recognized as a Weekly Star Performer within his squadron, and presented a commander's coin by Brig. Gen. Mike Holmes, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. Airman Easter was also selected to meet Vice President Dick Chenney during his recent visit here.

Whether he's setting a new milestone or providing fuel to wing and transiting aircraft, this Airman continues to provide expeditionary combat support for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.