Former MacDill NCO wins best in AF Reserve

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Grossklag
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing

Each year, the Air Reserve Component recognizes one Airman as the recipient of the David Westbrook Award for outstanding NCO paralegal. Former MacDill team member Tech Sgt. Travis Craig was announced as the winner of the prestigious award for 2017.

Craig garnered praise in 2017 for his efforts with the 6th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate office at MacDill as well as the 82nd Training Wing JA at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

“It is rewarding to be acknowledged for the hard work, however I know I could not have won without my team at MacDill,” professed Craig.

Craig was selected for the Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty program to be able to work on active duty orders and assist an undermanned office full time.

“Being able to work more days and help more was the difference between 2017 and other years,” admitted Craig. “Winning at the Air Force level gives a greater feeling of accomplishment.”

In conjunction with his efforts at MacDill, Craig led the 82 TRW/JA’s 10-person military justice team that processed seven court-martials, 19 Article 15s and 121 adverse actions. The achievements of the team resulted in a program which ranked number one in the Air Education and Training Command.

For 2017, Craig led an extensive review of 70 inspection items, identifying four recommended improvement areas. All four areas required implemented fixes, of which resulted in zero inspection deficiencies.

“Tech Sgt. Craig volunteered to be on orders and help our office in a time where we were 63 percent undermanned,” said Master Sgt. Rosie Bevel, 6 AMW/JA Superintendent. “[Craig] covered every section of the legal office, filling the role of an NCOIC and leading the Airmen every day.”

He is now an active duty Command Paralegal for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii where Craig faces new challenges each day but still brings the same level of commitment to providing quality work that he had last year.

“This position is very different than what I am used to, being the only enlisted member in the office,” affirmed Craig. “I always strive to leave a place better than I found it by either improving programs or creating new ones.”