21st OWS Airman earns Air Force award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Air Force recently announced a member of the 21st Operational Weather Squadron, Kapaun Air Base, Germany, as the 2014 Weather Airman of the Year.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Trevor Reiss, 21st OWS weather journeyman, has been in weather since 2011 and already plays a major role in the forecast for U.S. Africa Command. 

"Our area of responsibility includes Europe, Africa, the eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, and Russia," Reiss said. "I produce alphanumerical forecasts, five day forecasts, graphical hazardous weather forecasts and accurate flight weather briefs for our entire AOR. Currently I am a shift supervisor for all AFRICOM Weather. We produce special weather products to our customers and decision makers across the theater. I also oversee and produce weather analysis for our theater."

Also within the last year, Reiss deployed to Djibouti, Africa, in support of Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa.

"Reiss deserves this award because he is an accomplished NCO, both in garrison and in a deployed location," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Rosswald C. Guevarra, 21st OWS Flight Chief. "He has a tireless work ethic and consistently exceeds my expectations, whether it's issuing a weather warning or leading a five-person team for contingency operations, he gets the job done.  Reiss is a natural leader and a team player with a passion to accomplish the mission, timely and correctly.  He is a highly motivated individual with outstanding job knowledge and a true asset to our team."

Reiss echoed his sentiment on teamwork.

"First off, no one person can accomplish the mission on their own," Reiss said. "I work with a tight, hard working group and we work well together to get the products and forecasts out in a timely and accurate manner. Last year, I was put in a position that really tested my leadership, troubleshooting, weather and teamwork skills. Not only do I work for an AOR with a busy schedule, I deployed to an area with a similar agenda."

But it is the love of the job that truly fuels his passion.

"I take a lot of pride in what I do and I love to see the mission accomplished successfully," Reiss said. "I am extremely honored to be in this position. I don't take this lightly, and I cannot express how thankful I am to be here."

Additionally, he recognizes nothing would be possible without a great support system.

"I want to thank my wife, friends and family for supporting me," Reiss said. "This has been a great experience and cannot wait to see what the rest of my career has in store for me."

Also recognized was Daniel Colwell, 557thWeather Wing, as the 2014 Air Force Weather Civilian Category II of the Year.