Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award

Tech. Sgt. James Gum, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, received the 2009 Air Force Crew Chief of the Year in recognition for his outstanding contributions while assigned as an A-10 crew chief at the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. While serving as a critical en-route support team member, he ensured the successful employment of 12 aircraft to Bagram Air Base in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His expertise contributed to more than 900 hours of combat-effective flight. His initiative, while deployed, led to significant improvements in crash-recovery capabilities. At home, his unequaled expertise proved critical to the successful response to a ground emergency on aircraft 79-111. His resourceful decisions led to a rapid and safe recovery with zero injuries and no further damage to the aircraft. The 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The award recognizes base-level military and civil-service aircraft, munitions and missile maintenance personnel who perform hands-on maintenance or manage a maintenance function. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Danielle Wolf)