Warrior of the North wins Tuskegee Airman of the week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD. Iraq --  Staff Sgt. Nicholas Scanlon of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, deployed from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Aug. 16-22.

"Sergeant Scanlon is the kind of Airman who sets the standard for others," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander, who presented Sergeant Scanlon with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters Aug. 28.

"With this job, I have learned not to live for day 180," said Sergeant Scanlon, a Fort Meyers Beach, Fla., native. "I have realized it's important to live for today -- to keep today's mission in mind, complete it and make it back."

As an installation patrolman, he quelled an alcohol-related fight here, apprehending three suspects. He also led command and control during a suicide attempt and coordinated with key base agencies to obtain treatment for the patient.

"The best part of my job is being able to make a difference for the Air Force," he said. "It could be as simple as giving directions to a new Airman or Soldier or as involved as aiding those involved in a serious, violent crime. I try to make a difference on patrol every day. If I can help, even a little, then I know I did my job."

Over the duration of two health and wellness inspections, Sergeant Scanlon searched 44 quarters and captured 94 contraband items.

"My job is to provide interior security and law enforcement to JBB, enforcing all standards and regulations to include (Uniform Code of Military Justice) laws," said the husband and father of a 1-year old daughter. "While I am primarily law enforcement, my security mission deals with conducting interior counterinsurgency operations through in-depth security patrols, force protection measures and security."

Sergeant Scanlon was nominated by his supervisor, Staff Sgt. Ashley Rumpf, 332nd ESFS Joint Defense Operations Center controller.

"Sergeant Scanlon stands out from his peers by setting the standard and leading by example," said Sergeant Rumpf. "His peers look up to him and follow his direction."

The 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week is open to Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5, and is selected based on an Airman's on- and off-duty accomplishments.