Airman of the month award transitions to Diamond Sharp Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La --  August marks the beginning of a new monthly award to highlight Barksdale Airmen which replaces the previous Airman of the Month Award.

The Diamond Sharp Award will replace the AOM by name only and will continue to recognize Airman for excellence in the ranks of E-1 through E-4.

"The first sergeants are looking for individuals who truly stand out among their peers," said Master Sgt. Mac Ruth, 2nd Comptroller Squadron and 2nd Bomb Wing staff first sergeant. "The selection process will be similar to the AOM board but without the squadron or unit boards."

Nominations for the Diamond Sharp Award are made by squadron first sergeants and front line supervisors for each Airman's specific achievements or sustained excellence.

"Each first sergeant nominates an Airman from their squadron, then those Airmen will meet with the First Sergeants Council board," Ruth said. "The council will then vote on that months Diamond Sharp Award winner."

The change to the Diamond Sharp Award comes from suggestions of the 2nd Bomb Wing command chief in an effort to streamline the Airman recognition process.

"I believe that we are making the AOM a little bit better," said Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Storms, 2nd BW command chief. "Supervisors can still submit their Airmen for the award, but now first sergeants may come across that Diamond Sharp Airman, who fits the military image, and can explain how their job ties into the mission."

Not only does this highlight Airmen, it lessens units workload made by the AOM boards.

"With the Diamond Sharp Award we can alleviate the workload of units, to conduct AOM boards, and not lose the focus of the award: the Airmen," said Master Sgt. David Bedner, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant and first sergeant council president. "Plus, we learn about the Airman, and supervisors learn more about their Airmen as well."

For more information on the Diamond Sharp Award, contact your unit's first sergeant.