301st maintenance chief shines bright with Boeing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jeremy Roman
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
National Harbor, Md. --  Citizen Airmen must strive for excellence in all they do -- it's one of the Air Force Core Values. So it's no surprise a 301st Fighter Wing member was recognized September 17, 2012, at the U.S. Air Force Association Air and Space Conference opening ceremony awards program in National Harbor, Md. Chief Master Sgt. Kenellias Smith, 301st maintenance superintendent, earned the "2012 Citizen Airman of the Year" in the enlisted category.

"It's an awesome award and a very humbling experience," said Smith. "It represents many different people, events and efforts coming together to support defending our country."

As a Reservist, many of those different people and events represented had to balance together on the military side.

"I would like to thank the entire 301st family," he said. "During our deployment to Korea, we performed at an extremely high level and did what we do best, 'fly, fight and win.'"

As a civilian, he used his military training to benefit his everyday employer, the Boeing Company, known for their commitment to supporting men and women in uniform and military families through advocacy and support of USO, the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network and Joining Forces -- a national initiative to support and honor service members and their families. He serves as the southeast regional supplier quality manager.

"Not surprisingly the mission at the 301st ties directly into my Boeing career," said Smith. "Working to support and lead maintenance activities, training and compliance at the 301st mirrors Boeing in leading a team focused on supplier maintenance and overhaul activities, training, compliance and quality across four southeast states for Boeing programs."

The Boeing Company was also awarded the Air Force Reserve Command Citizen Airmen Employer Award in recognition of their support of Chief Smith and other Air Force Reserve members for outstanding contributions to the total force mission.

"Boeing has supported me by allowing flexibility and peace of mind while serving then highlighting and valuing the importance of serving and what it means," he said. "They recognize that military experience provides leadership and technical skills that are of great value to the company."

Reservists, like Chief Smith, are not only an asset on the civilian side but also help the 301st Fighter Wing accomplish the total force mission.

"Being a part of the 301st family is big part of my life," said Chief Smith. "I'm looking forward to our future challenges as we continue to be the 'tip of the sword.'"