Incirlik Airman selected to join the air staff

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  A 13-year Air Force Airman with a line number for master sergeant was recently notified he had been selected for the Logistics Education Advancement Program, where he will work fuel-related logistics issues at the Air Force and Department of Defense-level.

Tech. Sgt. Aaron Gagnon, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of fixed facilities, will join the air staff at the Pentagon as one of only two Airmen in his career field selected this year.

"I am very happy, excited and humbled to be selected for the position," said Gagnon. "It makes me feel like the things I have done in the past have proven my worth for the fuels career field,"

LEAP is a career-broadening education program designed to provide selected NCOs with on-the-job experience and training in special fuels logistics areas. The objective is to provide LEAP NCOs with a broader experience background. Each position is a three-year minimum assignment.

"At the air staff, I will gain knowledge and experience on Air Force fuels-related issues; and when I move over to the joint staff, I will gain knowledge and experience on fuels-related issues at the DoD-level," said Gagnon.

During his career, Gagnon said he has had a variety of fuel jobs that have prepared him for his upcoming position.

"I am in charge of 10 hydrant systems, the military service station and the (liquid oxygen) storage area (which are) worth $17 million," he explained. "I have worked in the Fuels Service Center for nine years, which will help me in some of the assigned duties because I have had to work with many outside agencies on and off base. Also, I had to project fuels receipts so we could meet mission requirements."

Gagnon's supervisor said the technical sergeant's experience and performance set him up for success in this unique assignment.

"This is an amazing opportunity for (him)," said Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Pier Jr., 39th LRS Fuels superintendent. "I, along with all of (petroleum, oils and lubricants) personnel here, am extremely proud of and happy for him. He was chosen to participate in the program because of his extensive POL experience, contributions to team achievements and lastly his personal achievements. That said, his performance while assigned to Incirlik has been phenomenal and definitely padded his package for LEAP."