Wing EO named top in AF for 2010

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kristina Barrett
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  The Equal Opportunity Program Manager for the 501st Combat Support Wing was named as the top EO Specialist of the Year by the Air Force.

Technical Sgt. Darius Kersh was selected as the top EO specialist after nominations from 91 wings throughout the Air Force were submitted into the annual awards. His selection marked the third year in a row the 501st Combat Support Wing EO program or person has won at the Air Force level.

His ability to overcome the unique challenges of a diverse wing comprised of more than 14,000 people scattered across the United Kingdom and Norway is what he said he believes made him stand out amongst the very competitive award process. His office is the only EO office in the Air Force to be staffed by just one person with his level of responsibility.
"Receiving this award culminated what could have been easily viewed as a challenging year for me," Sergeant Kersh said. "No other EO Specialist in the Air Force faces the challenges I have."

While most wings are able to maintain a standard program typical of most wings in the Air Force, the 501st presents unique challenges that do not allow it to have the usual program design. Adding to the challenge the fact that Sergeant Kersh is in a one-deep slot. The average EO office has more than one certified EO technician; however, this is not the case within the 501st Combat Support Wing.

Since the wing has 11 sites and installations throughout the United Kingdom and Norway, managing the EO program requires creativity - something Sergeant Kersh has taken time to develop.

"Considering the geographical dynamics of the wing, it's important to find creative ways to provide efficient professional EO services to members in need," he said. "Creativity has allowed me the ability to train EO reps, manage the demanding EO workload and still meet Air Force EO requirements. I believe this is what gave me the needed advantage in receiving this award."

His hard work resulted in managing 25 percent of United States Air Forces in Europe caseload for EO, training 32 senior leaders and the certification of 18 EO joint-service representatives throughout the wing, U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.
"I am truly honored, as well as humbled, to be recognized as the 2010 AF EO Specialist of the Year," Sergeant Kersh said. "I feel whole-heartedly that my success as an EO specialist is a direct reflection of the support I have received from my mentors, EO representatives and especially my leadership."