Hurlburt medic wins top AF award Published April 14, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Sheri Kangas 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- A medic at Hurlburt Field checked in as the top in his field throughout the Air Force. Senior Master Sgt. Richard Brown, superintendent of the 1st Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron, was selected as the Senior Aerospace Medical Service Functional Manager of the Year. He was chosen as the best of 79 aerospace medical functional managers throughout the Air Force. "I feel I won this award because of the strength of the people who work with me," Sergeant Brown said. "I work with the best people, hands down, and I'm proud to represent them." Sergeant Brown's strong work ethic is apparent to his superiors. He is not only the functional manager for the medical group; he is also the squadron superintendent for the group's largest squadron. He is the go-to-guy for 147 squadron members as well as 56 aerospace medical service career field members assigned to Hurlburt Field. "I keep busy, but it's a great feeling when I can guide an Airman in the right direction or give career advice to an NCO," Sergeant Brown said. When he's not busy taking care of his squadron, Sergeant Brown attends college courses and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. He is close to receiving his bachelor's degree in computer science, but will not need the degree on the outside anytime soon though. "I've been in for 23 years, and I plan staying for as long as they will let me," Sergeant Brown said. If his superiors have anything to do with it, Sergeant Brown won't have to worry about anyone trying to get rid of him anytime soon. "Sergeant Brown is a role model for all members of our squadron," said Lt. Col. Jay Michael Spilker, 1st SOMDOS commander. "I've never met an NCO more dedicated to the Air Force core values and the development of our squadron members. I rarely make a decision without his input, and I know I can depend on him to do the right thing for the right reason."