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| News > Kenerson wins Lance P. Sijan award for AETC |
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Lt. Col. Barton Kenerson, 361st Training Squadron commander (Official Photo).
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Kenerson wins Lance P. Sijan award for AETC
Posted 2/8/2013 Updated 2/8/2013
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by Kimberly Parker
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
2/8/2013 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Lt. Col. Barton Kenerson, 361st Training Squadron commander, was named the 2012 Lance P. Sijan Award winner for the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
The Lance P. Sijan Award is an annual Air Force Leadership Award that recognizes Airmen who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities.
"This is a very humbling opportunity to be recognized," said Kenerson. "I view this as a team award. As officers we do not achieve success without the hard work and dedication of our people and family and so really this award is for all of us."
Capt. Sijan was shot down over Vietnam on Nov. 9, 1967, and evaded capture for 45 days despite severe injuries. He later died while in a Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp and was presented the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism.
While leadership qualities or abilities can be subjective, Col. Willie Holt, 82nd Training Group commander, used his favorite quote from Dr. Martin Luther King to describe Kenerson's leadership abilities.
"The ultimate measure of a man [leader] is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."
Holt further explained that Kenerson has had many challenges leading his squadron and has handled all in a superb manner.
"His leadership qualities are of the "best" in leading our Airmen and his staff. He is the real deal when we say 'leadership,'" said Holt.
With a training influence that reaches around the globe, Kenerson led a team of both military and civilian instructors who transformed more than 5,000 Airmen warriors into proficient aircraft technicians.
Just as Sijan became a symbol of inspiration to all Airmen, Kenerson hopes to inspire the Airman in his squadron by instilling the service before self mentality.
"I see leadership as a service or support position," Kenerson said. "My duty is to give our Airman the tools they need to be mission successful."
Joining the Air Force to be a part of something bigger than him and to make a difference, Kenerson believes this award is a testament to dedication and commitment.
"I would like to thank the squadron as well as leadership for the opportunity to be recognized with this award, it truly is an honor," he said.
Kenerson's time with Team Sheppard is coming to a near end; he will be heading to his next assignment as deputy commander of the 354th Maintenance Group at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, this summer.
For more information on Capt. Lance P. Sijan, click here |
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