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315th Reservist named 455th AEW Warrior of the Week

  • Published
  • By 455th AEW Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN --  Master Sgt. Christopher Owens is this week's 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. He is noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the aeromedical evacuation operations team for the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight.

A reservist deployed from the 315th AES, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., Sergeant Owens manages AE stage operations and supervises launch and recovery of AE missions here. He also acts as the liaison with aircraft commanders, AE crews, the contingency aeromedical staging facility and all ground support agencies to ensure fast efficient movement of injured personnel who require medical movement. Sergeant Owens also flies on AE missions as a medical technician.

When asked how he felt about being selected, the Richmond, Va. native replied, "It gives me great pride about the job my team does here." Sergeant Owens said, "It gives me great pride to be able to support both coalition forces and the local nationals to get them to the best medical care possible."

"Seeing the faces of the locals we are helping and hope-fully changing preconceived notions that the locals may have about us (coalition forces) is one of the key things we try to do on our aeromedical missions. Helping our wounded warriors is especially important to me and the job we do."

Sergeant Owens' supervision nominated him for this honor because they said Sergeant Owens excels in orchestrating on-time mission departures.

He is an experienced crew member, who has been a mentor for other enlisted personnel. AE crews and CASF personnel continuously comment on his positive attitude and his knowledge and ability to get the mission completed without delay. He has, in addition to his normal duties, flown six combat missions, safely transporting more than 50 casualties.