Incentive Ride Program ends year with bang

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As Sept. 15 marked the end of the incentive flight program for the fiscal year, incentive nominees can thank the 18th Aggressor Squadron and the 354th Operations Support Squadron for an experience of a lifetime.

"In 2007 the F-16D model closed the program on a very high note completing 44 incentive rides," said Staff Sgt. Darrell Ramey, 354th Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of wing scheduling. "This is the best the wing has done in the last three years."

Sergeant Ramey said the program was established to highlight and reward exceptional Airmen who continually surpass the standards in their work areas.

"These Airmen personify the core values and are recognized by their group commanders for their excellence," he said.

In addition to the newer nominees, the incomplete incentive rides of previous fiscal years, were saved and were able to be completed this year.

"The best part of my flight was taking in the beautiful scenery of Alaska from a completely different perspective," said Master Sgt. Deanna Croxen, 354th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor, who received her flight for being the 354th Fighter Wing Senior NCO of the Year and the Pacific Air Forces Ground Safety Manager of the Year, both for 2005.

Once the individual has been nominated by their group commander, the 354th OSS will schedule the individual's pre-requisite training to include: a flight physical with the flight physical office, life support suit fitting, and egress and hanging harness training.

The Aircrew Flight Equipment flight (formally known as Life Support), provide the nominees with the flight suit fitting, to ensure the individual can comfortably fit into the gear pilots use for training and wartime sorties.

"Through this training and preparation, the nominees are actually assuming the role of an Air Force pilot for the ride," said Sergeant Ramey.

"The incentive ride program allows Airmen to see the Air Force in a different light," said Sergeant Croxen. "Our Air Force does an amazing job of taking care of people, and the incentive ride program is another venue the Air Force has to make great things possible for its Airmen."

The 354th OSS would again like to congratulate this year's elite as well as all the agencies who aided in making the Incentive Ride Program a huge success.