TEC logistics superintendent honored on Veteran's Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mavi Smith
  • The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center
McGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. --  A service member from The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center here was recognized by the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council (ETMAC) for outstanding service at the 27th Annual Veteran's Day Commemoration luncheon in Knoxville, Nov. 11, 2009.

Senior Master Sgt. Jeff D. Watson, the superintendent of logistics and a resident of Clinton, Tenn., was honored for 'outstanding service to the national defense of our country and to the community in which we live.'

ETMAC is a non-profit organization that was founded to recognize, encourage, support and advocate military activities in east Tennessee. Each year on Veteran's Day, ETMAC and the Knoxville community gather to honor those who have served their country.

"I was very honored to accept this award from ETMAC," said Watson, who was one of 13 enlisted service members from area military organizations who were recognized. "It felt really good to know that leadership recognized the hard work that's been done."

Watson joined the Air Force in October 1985 and has served in Europe and the continental United States. Dedicated to serving both his country and community, he received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his efforts as logistics chair for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and other volunteer roles taken while assigned to the Training and Education Center.

As the logistics superintendent, Watson manages a million dollar budget and is responsible for the purchase and support of all resources owned by the Training and Education Center.

"When ETMAC asked us to nominate a deserving NCO for recognition, our unanimous choice was Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Watson," said Col. Richard B. Howard, commander of the Training and Education Center. "As our resource advisor and all-things-logistics for the entire campus, Jeff works tirelessly to ensure every aspect of our logistics requirements are identified and resourced."

"If it's broken, he gets it fixed," said Howard. "If it needs upgrading, he gets it replaced and shining.  If someone needs recognition, Jeff ensures it happens.  If it needs imagining and implementing, Jeff is always thinking ahead of the pack and making huge improvement changes for our center."

In addition to his logistic responsibilities, Watson is also the unit anti-terrorism officer and hazardous material manager.

"He keeps us safe via his anti-terror efforts and keeps us motivated via his can-do spirit and tireless devotion to insuring all-things-TEC are addressed," said Howard. "He's the center pole in our TEC operational tent yet remains humble and professional day-in and day-out."

Watson brought his three children to the luncheon, which was held at the Foundry on the World's Fair Site. The event was attended by more than 500 service members and guests.

"I loved it," said Watson. "I wanted my children to see me in that capacity and to see that room full of military history. They really got a kick out of it."

"It was a very proud moment for our attendees and for Jeff's children to witness his receiving Veteran's Day recognitions for his career long dedicated service," said Howard. "We're proud of Jeff and look to him as a mentor and leader."

The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center is located at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, Tenn. Known as the TEC, it conducts an average of 14 enlisted professional military education courses throughout the year and holds more than 40 skills enhancement training classes in subjects ranging from explosives safety orientation to food services, recruiting, security and expeditionary medical support. The center trains and educates more than 4,200 students per year and is the heart of leadership training for the Air National Guard.