RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Military Times Publishing Company recently named the host wing's top enlisted member its 2008 Air Force Times Airman of the Year.
Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Page, 12th Flying Training Wing command chief master sergeant, and his wife, Pam, traveled to Washington, D.C., July 28 through Aug. 2, to meet winners from the other military branches and be formally recognized at an awards banquet.
"I am completely surprised, honored and humbled," Chief Page said after being notified of his selection. "I've never had any of my junior members nominate me for an award ... I'm speechless."
Chief Page was nominated by an Airman assigned to Air Education and Training Command headquarters, Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond.
"I came across the link to the nomination package on their Web site and when I read they wanted to know about Airmen who lived above and beyond their call to service 24/7, one person came immediately to mind: Chief Page," Sergeant Hammond said. "Time and time again I've witnessed the chief's genuine dedication to people and his pure motivation to serve. He obviously puts people first. His actions speak louder than any words ever could."
Countless Airmen have been touched by Chief Page, perhaps none more so than Staff Sgt. Matthew Slaydon, an explosive ordnance disposal technician from Luke AFB, Ariz., and his wife, Annette.
Sergeant Slaydon was severely injured in Iraq Oct. 24, when an improvised explosive device exploded several feet from his face. Seven days later, Sergeant and Mrs. Slaydon arrived in San Antonio for treatment and recovery time.
"At 1 a.m., when the plane finally landed, the engines hadn't even yet been shut down before Chief Page was on the plane wrapping his arms around my wife and me," Sergeant Slaydon said.
He told us, "You are in my territory now. I will take care of you and everything will be OK."
"Three weeks later, I woke up," Sergeant Slaydon said. "Chief Page was there and told me I was his troop and I would want for nothing while here. When I was physically weak, he'd carry me on his back if necessary. For the first time, my wife really felt as though things would be alright.
For his official duties, Chief Page is the primary advisor to the 12th Flying Training Wing commander on the health, quality of life, morale, welfare, readiness and management of 3,600 military and civilian members. He coordinates and communicates with leaders of four groups, 23 squadrons, a numbered air force and major command headquartered on Randolph. He is also the wing commander's key liaison on numerous advisory councils, professional organizations and to local community leaders.
But according to those who know him best, those official duties only scratch the surface of what Chief Page does with his job.
"Chief Page utilizes his position and authority to solve problems and benefit those in need," Sergeant Slaydon said. "Not only does he touch the lives of those in the Air Force, he offers assistance and support to those of all the services. He does what he does without the want or need for recognition. It's done purely because he wants to be of service to those around him."
The joint nature of Chief Page's dedication could not be missed one crisp morning at Randolph late last year.
Chief Page organized hundreds of Team Randolph members in an effort to voluntarily line Harmon Drive on base to salute the funeral procession of Army Specialist Vincent Madero. Specialist Madero's body was flown into Randolph after he was killed in Iraq. This effort ensured all in the procession saw evidence of the high regard in which Airmen hold all warriors.
He visits wounded troops regularly and has followed Senior Airman Daniel Acosta and Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro through their recovery and physical therapy. Sergeant Del Toro and Airman Acosta were both severely wounded in combat operations prior to Sergeant Slaydon's injuries.
"The bottom line, for me, is that Chief Page embodies our core values in everything he does, especially Service Before Self," Sergeant Hammond said. "It's a way of life for him and anyone who meets him or hears him speak will walk away a better person, a more dedicated military member and more committed to help those in need."
While happy to be recognized with the honor, Chief Page said he gets the true reward for his efforts on a daily basis.
"The most inspiring award I receive is when I see the smiles on the faces of those troops and the families I serve," Chief Page said. "No wooden plaque, no trophy, no pen and pencil set will ever match what they give me through their service, commitment and attitude. They are my greatest teachers. I'm nothing more than a student in their schoolhouse."