Air Force Well Done Award

Presented to SSGT TYSON L. MEENDERING and A1C DUSTIN W. GALLEGOS, 62d Munitions Flight, 62d Maintenance Group, 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

The Air Force Well Done Award is presented to Staff Sergeant Tyson L. Meendering and Airman First Class Dustin W. Gallegos, 62d Munitions Flight, 62d Maintenance Group, 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. While serving in the Munitions Maintenance Storage Element on 7 February 2020, the Airmen identified a major safety hazard during a LAW-66mm M72 High Explosive Anti-Tank rockets storage operation. They discovered that a LAW-66mm M72 was in a “ready fire-position” in the fully extended configuration with both the front and rear port covers in the “open” position while mixed with expended tubes. These two issues placed munitions handlers and munitions custodians at risk. A1C Gallegos elevated his concerns through the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the operation. SSgt Meendering elevated his concerns through the Production Superintendent, leadership and ultimately safety channels to Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel via the Munitions Emergency Accident/Incident Checklist to highlight the situation of a potential explosive mishap while adhering to safety guidance in the item technical order. The Airmen remained calm, applied sound judgment, and relied on training throughout the entire incident. Their dedication and relentless efforts to make safe the munitions and personnel involved prompted an immediate safety alert notification to all applicable base agencies. The safety awareness and risk management contributions of SSgt Tyson L. Meendering and A1C Dustin W. Gallegos reflect great credit upon their squadron, Air Mobility Command, and the United States Air Force.