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12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year includes Maxwell chaplain assistant

  • Published
  • By Joy Ovington
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Tech. Sgt. Jennifer S. Laufer, chaplain assistant with the 42nd Air Base Wing, is among the top enlisted members of the Air Force after being named one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2009.

"Sergeant Laufer is a true warrior Airman, and I am honored to serve with her! Her outstanding accomplishments, both at this Wing and during her deployment to Iraq, reflect her dedication, compassion and professionalism. She clearly lives out our core values every day and her work reflects that. Sergeant Laufer, and her husband, Master Sgt. Rob Laufer, together make an amazing team of Air Force professionals, and I'm proud to know them both," said 42nd ABW Commander Col. Kris D. Beasley.

Chief Master Sgt. Mark Repp, 42nd ABW command chief, said, "Sergeant Laufer had an amazing year filled with courage, devotion and a steadfast commitment to taking care of Airmen. She truly is a wonderful example of every Airman's ability to make a difference."

From Miami, Fla., with a background in finance, Sergeant Laufer, "has the grace and dignity that define American Airmen," said one of her mentors, Chief Master Sgt. Alton Clemmons of Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Also a chaplain's assistant, he said it is rewarding and refreshing to see an NCO who is deeply compassionate and caring about every relationship she has.

"I have personally witnessed Sergeant Laufer interact with Airmen she has known for some time and with those she had just met. In every encounter, she treated them with the utmost dignity and respect. That's what I call spectacular and special," said the Chief.

When contacted by Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, Sergeant Laufer said she was apprehensive about taking a call from the general at first but then was "simply overwhelmed" once he relayed the news that she was one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen.

"I feel like I've done what every other Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine and civilian have been doing in the area of responsibility. I did my job to the best of my ability. I don't do things to get attention or awards. I just want to do the best at whatever is handed to me," Sergeant Laufer said.

Sergeant Laufer gives her husband credit for "pushing" her to always do her best. "I have an outstanding family who motivates me, a great chapel team to work with, and most importantly, a strong faith background," she said.

During a deployment to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, Sergeant Laufer said she worked with Chap. (Lt. Col.) Martin S. Morgan who helped her learn her deployed duties.

Now at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Chaplain Morgan said, "Jennifer brings a passion for doing it right the first time. From customer service and care to paperwork and the mundane administrative requirements, she brings a high energy effort 100 percent of the time." He said that after their initial teaming at Kirkuk, he never once worried about the success of their mission during their deployment.

Chap. (Capt.) David V. McGuire also served alongside her in Iraq. He offered insight into her "courage, dedication, and professionalism" by saying that the first time they were called to the hospital for incoming wounded, there were "a lot of unknowns running through their minds as the helicopters were preparing to land." 

He said, "Thoughts and concerns went back and forth along with prayer for guidance and strength." Chaplain McGuire added Sergeant Laufer stepped through that door of the unknown and performed her job with the professionalism of an Air Force NCO along with great compassion and gentleness.

Sergeant Laufer, who recently was promoted to master sergeant with an effective date next year, has set new goals."Making master sergeant has been my main goal. Now I want to focus on making sure I am continuing to lead the way that I am expected to lead."

The 12 Outstanding Airmen are:
Staff Sgt. Johanna S. Aviles, Air Force Space Command
Senior Master Sgt. Mary A. Bechdell, Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency
Master Sgt. Tyrone F. Bingham, Air National Guard
Senior Airman Channel H. Bolton-Scholl, Air Force Reserve Command
Tech. Sgt. John T. Carter, U.S. Air Forces in Europe
Tech. Sgt. Manuel J. Herrera, Air Mobility Command
Tech. Sgt. Benjamin P. Horton, Air Force Materiel Command
Tech. Sgt. Jennifer S. Laufer, AETC
Tech. Sgt. Marisol M. Lozada, Air Force Special Operations Command
Master Sgt. Christopher Pollock, Pacific Air Forces
Senior Airman Alexander W. Royal, Air Combat Command
Senior Master Sgt. Jeffery E. Steagall, Air Force Space Command