Public affairs officer recognized for achievements

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Wolf
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 442nd Fighter Wing's public affairs officer was named the May 2010, field-grade officer performer of the month at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in Southwest Asia.

During his deployment, Maj. David Kurle, who has been gone since December, acts as the chief of media operations for U.S. Air Forces Central Command. He oversees news-media coordination, response and outreach for 14 subordinate units in six countries. He also serves as a media spokesperson for U.S. AFCENT area of responsibility.

"Of course I was honored," Major Kurle said. "The entire PA staff at the CAOC works extremely hard in a very demanding, command-level environment - and to be recognized for that is gratifying."

One of the events Major Kurle was recognized for was his coverage of the command's close-air-support mission in Afghanistan by a major television network in May, which included the reporter riding along on two combat missions in an F-15E Strike Eagle.

"Helping plan and coordinate the visit by ABC News was probably my major accomplishment during this deployment," he said. "As far as I know, this type of in-depth coverage of combat air operations has never been done before - especially when you factor in the ABC reporter actually flying in the back seat of a fighter.

"Responding to the news media at this level is tricky," he said. "There are political implications, security considerations and other challenges I just don't deal with on a daily basis at the wing or unit level."

Planning for the visit took months and was more than just the work of one person, Major Kurle said.

"The hurdles and coordination it took to do this were daunting," he said. "Our entire staff was involved, and without the support and leadership provided by my boss and the senior leaders here, it wouldn't have been successful."

Other accomplishments the major was cited for in May include, embedding nine journalists, coordinating 18 media flights on military aircraft, editing more than 60 hours of weapon-system video and documenting a visit by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

"I've learned a lot working here, thanks to a great staff and great mentors," Major Kurle said. "I think anyone who wants to learn how airpower is managed by senior leaders needs to deploy to the CAOC."

The AFFOR staff supports the combined-forces air-component commander, whose job is to lead and manage the air war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Working at this level is extremely interesting," Major Kurle said. "We're operating from a strategic, top-down perspective I haven't been privy to on my prior deployments.

"Major Kurle is a shining example of Air Reserve Airmen supporting the wartime mission," said Col. Mark Clemons, 442nd FW commander. "He provides a seemless gap. Major Kurle is arguably (Air Force Reserve Command's) premier public affairs officer. He brings a lot to the fight from the comments I have observed and obviously made a definite impact during his tour.

"There is a shortage of public affairs personnel in theater and Major Kurle brings it all, plus some. Major Kurle has a lot to be proud of with his many accomplishments in theater.

"I thank him, as well as his wife and family for a job well done and the 442nd Fighter Wing anxiously awaits his arrival back to Whiteman."