SAFETY NCO OF THE YEAR: TSGT OMAR A. SALIH
726th Air Mobility Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany
By
TSgt Omar A. Salih, 726th Air Mobility Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is AMC’s Safety Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
Salih drove the safety program through his leadership of 16 programs with eight safety representatives. He focused on building a cohesive team by bolstering spirits in multiple ways. In instituting monthly newsletters for the squadron, Salih provided a platform for Airmen to voice their ideas, which reinvigorated an inclusive mindset and boosted morale.
In the course of duty, Salih orchestrated two critical one-time inspections, during which he evaluated all of the squadron’s maintenance stands and high-line docks. He also organized 200 Occupational Safety and Health Administration training hours for squadron members, qualifying seven members in three major programs. He readied the Confined Space program and awarded 20 Continuing Education Units to Airmen.
His leadership at an airfield hazard reduction event involved training with eight host wing organizations on a bollard removal plan, eliminating $36,000 in vehicle repair costs annually.
Salih was the 52d Fighter Wing commander’s pick to help tackle the Air Force-wide problem of racial disparity, for which he prepared a survey to be administered across six bases. His open communication plan was praised by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Salih is a safety leader who implemented safeguards for 34 different Air Force Specialty Codes for 5,000 transient Airmen, garnering the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing’s Noncommissioned Officer of the First Quarter award.