American Association of Airport Executives honors Nellis Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Charles
  • Nellis Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  The American Association of Airport Executives recently recognized Tech. Sgt. Venus Applebury as the 2010 U.S. Air Force Airfield Management Noncommissioned Officer of the Year during their annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

Jim Bennett, A.A.A.E chairman, presented the award to Sergeant Applebury and six other individuals for exemplary contributions to the airport industry at their 83rd annual meeting hosted in the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

"It was nice to be recognized by our civilian counterparts," Sergeant Applebury said. "To see airfield managers from some of the busiest airports in the nation acknowledge the hard work and dedication you put into your job is truly flattering."

More than 2,000 industry executives were present when Sergeant Applebury, 57th Operations Support Squadron deputy airfield manager, received the Air Force-level award.

"It was a real surprise to be selected for this award," she said. "I know a lot of really good airfield managers who are equally deserving."

Selected as one of three Air Force recipients recognized during the conference, her accomplishments as the deputy airfield manager on the Nellis Air Force Base flightline, which sees more than 30,000 sorties a year, distinguished her among her peers. As the deputy airfield manager, she is in charge of making sure the flight line runs effectively. She is also in charge of the flightline driving program and is currently reviewing impact statements to begin construction on the new F-35 Lightning II hangars.

Sergeant Applebury was also presented the award from Maj. Gen Bret Williams, U.S. Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, last May during the Air Force Airfield Operations Conference at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

"Plenty of people deserve credit for this award," Sergeant Applebury said. "The people I work with continue to keep one of the busiest flightlines in Air Combat Command running according to our plan program. They are the real managers of the Nellis flightline."