SSgt Moore Does It Again!
Story by Maj Herb Porter - Photos provided by WADS
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Having already been named the Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airman of the Year earlier this year, Staff Sergeant Edward Jay Moore, was recently chosen for another prestigious honor. He became a part of an elite group that represents the very best of the Air Force’s enlisted force when he was selected as one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 1999. A former Air Force Reserve member and U.S. Army soldier, SSgt Moore has distinguished himself as one of the very best in both the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Not since 1993 has a member of the Air National Guard been named as one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the United States Air Force. Staff Sergeant Edward Jay Moore recently won this honor through his extraordinary performance in support of his unit, the Western Air Defense Sector, headquartered on McChord Air Force Base, Tacoma WA. Additionally, SSgt Moore is the first ever Washington Air Guardsman to receive this honor.
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SSgt Moore consistently excelled in the coordination of aircraft control responsibilities while conducting effective intercept missions. His superb operational expertise was clearly evident in his timely coordination and situational awareness during numerous evaluation exercises, including Felix Spade 98-12, where he was cited for his superior performance and outstanding coordination. In addition, he exceeded Air Combat Command’s graduated combat capability standards by over six times the normal requirements, completing more intercept training missions than nearly any other individual in his specialty field. SSgt Moore is the only airman qualified as Weapons Director Technician in the sector. At the same time, SSgt Moore maintains a secondary qualification as a Tracking Technician, responsible for directing and tracking aircraft within the sector’s airspace, being only one of three individuals who is qualified in two different areas.
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Colonel John Cromwell, the Commander of the WADS expressed his admiration regarding SSgt Moore’s latest recognition. "We are very proud of SSgt Moore’s achievement. His hard work and dedication have made significant contributions to the ongoing success of our organization." Col Cromwell added, "For him to receive this recognition in the ANG’s 'Year of the Enlisted', represents the significant contribution made by all of our enlisted men and women of the Air National Guard.
When asked about his most recent achievement, SSgt Moore took all in stride, saying "It’s great, but I feel that I was just doing my job." SSgt Moore attributes much of his success to his supervisor, Master Sergeant Jeffery L. Myers, who served as his mentor, helping and challenging him along the way. "He gave me the push to go in the right direction, from the smallest thing to the biggest", said SSgt Moore.
State Command Chief Master Sergeant Mike Toole, bestowed his accolades on behalf of the enlisted force of the Washington Air National Guard. "SSgt Moore lives life in the spirit of the ‘whole person’ concept. His pursuit of excellence is matched only by his compassion and involvement in the local community. It is a pleasure to serve with him", remarked Chief Toole.
Major General Frank Scoggins, Commander of the Washington Air National Guard added his accolades of praise. "It is a tremendous privilege to have SSgt Jay Moore on our team. Our pride in him cannot be overstated. I cannot think of a better example that represents the mission of the U.S. Air Force and the meaning and intent of the Total Force concept".
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Similar sentiments were expressed by Major General Paul A. Weaver, the Director of the Air National Guard "SSgt Moore epitomizes the concept of the 'citizen soldier' and serves as a role model for us all. We congratulate this fine Guardsman on his proud presentation of the over 96,000 enlisted personnel of the Air National Guard."
Sergeant Moore became a member of the Washington Air National Guard in 1996, after serving in the Air Force Reserve and the U.S. Army. He began his long path of recognition when he was first selected as the WADS Airman of the Quarter for 1998. Later he was recognized as the Washington Air National Guard’s Airman of the Year, followed by national recognition as the Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airman for 1999. SSgt Moore will be honored along with the rest of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Air Force for 1999 at the annual Air Force Association Conference which will be held this Fall in Washington D.C.
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