CE CMSgt wins Air Force award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Allison Cademartori
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Lewis, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron chief enlisted manager, was recently awarded the Maj. Gen. Joseph A. Ahearn Leadership Award. The award recognizes the chief master sergeant displaying the most exemplary leadership qualities in the civil engineer career field.

"I would dare to classify Chief Lewis as the ideal chief," said Lt. Col. Steven Loken, 1st SOCES commander. "He's always looking out for the best interest of the 1st SOCES' military and civilians. Chief Lewis is one of the main reasons I put Hurlburt as my first choice of assignments as a civil engineer commander. I wanted him to be my chief."

Chief Lewis' contributions have not only affected the Air Force, but also the Army, working on huge projects for the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Infantry Division and 3rd Infantry Division. From joint operations centers to tactical operations centers and drainage systems, no job was too big for the chief to oversee. His guidance has been sought worldwide as a superior leader among leaders.

Teamwork is the key to everything, and Chief Lewis is a firm believer that taking care of his people fosters a positive result. He personally pours his heart into reviewing and updating each enlisted performance package and award package for his squadron.

He was instrumental in the preparation of the annual CE awards, but when asked, declined to provide inputs for his own award. He explained in his limited amount of time, he would rather take care of everyone else's awards, decorations and enlisted performance reports first.

His selflessness is the reason his team put together the Ahearn Enlisted Leadership Award package that recognizes the man who is constantly recognizing others. The emphasis of this award is leadership and overall contributions to the enhancement of the enlisted force. According to Colonel Loken, the package was the best he's ever seen.

"Without my team's commitment to the Air Force and to the mission here and overseas, there would be no way they could have accomplished all of their great work."

Chief Lewis says he's continually amazed at the professionalism and work ethic of his young Airmen and officers in deployed locations.

"Once again, in my career, I just happened to be the chief in the right place at the right time."

Hailing from Ault, Colo., Chief Lewis is married to Master Sgt. Sherrie Lewis, 1st Special Operations Services Squadron first sergeant. They have four children and one grandchild.