MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force officials have selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming a Moody Airman as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2015.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jamie K. Zimmer, 347th Operations Support Squadron intelligence analyst, was selected for one of the highest honors an Airman can receive based on her superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.
“Becoming one of the 12 OAY is never based on the efforts of just one person,” said Zimmer. “It is the efforts of many. I hope to represent everyone I have crossed paths with in my Air Force career and spread the valuable knowledge and guidance they have provided me over the years.
“It is an overwhelming honor,” Zimmer added. “I am humbled to stand among the best men and women of the United States Air Force. I not only get to represent the 347th Rescue Group, but the entire 23d Wing.”
The Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon is awarded to any enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force who is nominated by their major command, field operating agency, or direct reporting unit for competition in the 12 OAY Program.
“Sergeant Zimmer furthered the Joint Interagency Rotary Wing Working Group, a 347 OSS intel initiative, which incorporated operations personnel for improved crosstalk and tactics, techniques and procedures across the greater rotary wing intel community,” said Lt. Col. Carrie Worth, 347th OSS commander. “It is the first of its kind and Zimmer's efforts to align and incorporate the output from the Annual Weapons and Tactics Conference as well as flying personnel will ensure its ability to advance intel support to the mission.”
Worth emphasized that Zimmer’s operates far beyond her pay grade.
“That is what sets her apart,” said Worth. “She does not let her rank hold her back. If she sees an area to improve, she tackles it and brings the rest of the team along with her. She is a natural leader, mentor and instructor. I am proud to have her on our team and even more proud to see a support career field recognized for the dedication and hard work to support the mission of combat search and rescue.”
Zimmer’s accomplishments also include the Ninth Air Force Airman of the year award, Airmen Leadership School’s John L. Levitow Award, the Air Force Association’s Pitsenbarger Award scholarship recipient and countless hours volunteering.
“Staff Sgt. Zimmer's performance speaks for itself,” said Col. Thomas Kunkel, 23d Wing commander. “She superbly represents the quality of airmen that make up the Flying Tigers of the 23d Wing. We are honored to have her on our team.”
Zimmer doesn’t just credit her hard work, though. She credits the support of her family and feedback from supervisors for pushing her to reach her goals.
“My husband was my biggest supporter,” said Zimmer. “He stood by me when I doubted myself and would motivate me to stay on the right track. My supervision and leadership provided valuable feedback to me. Finally, my parents played a huge role in always encouraging me, supporting me and even letting me know when I needed to push harder to accomplish what I want in my life.”
Over the past few years, Zimmer has developed a personal mantra that has led her to never give up on her goals.
“I believe in the three P's - progress, persistence and perseverance,” said Zimmer. “Progress, whether big or small, is still a step in the right direction; persistence to never stop chasing what you want in life; and perseverance for when you do face challenges and you have the resiliency to overcome them.”
Zimmer plans to take what she has learned from this experience and pay-it-forward.
“My hope is that this will show others that it is possible to work hard, support the mission and encompass the whole Airmen concept,” said Zimmer. “I love my job, I love training new Airmen in our unit but I also love mentoring and encouraging Airmen to accomplish their goals.
“I hope that being selected as one of the 12 OAY will show Airmen at any rank that anything is possible with a support team, strong mentorship and loving your job.”