39th MXS SNCO wins USAFE top award

  • Published
  • By Airman Cory W. Bush
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Master Sgt. James Toombs, 39th Maintenance Squadron quality assurance superintendent, was recently named the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa 2014 Maintenance Support Professional of the Year.

On Jan. 23, Toombs received the news from USAFE that he was being recognized for his exceptional performance as the SNCO in charge of all inspections and evaluations. As SNCO in charge, Toombs is responsible for more than 500 pieces of equipment, 29 vehicles, and 13,000 hand tools; along with the facilities that the equipment is stored in.

According to Toombs, the Airmen of the 39th MXS and the multiple inspection teams he is a part of are the reason why he won the award.

"It's very flattering that my leadership and the leaders of USAFE find the things I do noteworthy of an award," Toombs said. "I don't think it's about what I did, but more about what the teams I am a part of have done."

Toombs mentioned that nothing he accomplishes at the 39th MXS would be possible without the help of the Airmen that work alongside of him every day.

"There're many things I can contribute this award too," Toombs said. "The wing inspection team, management internal control toolset team and of course, the team of Airmen I work with at the 39th MXS."

Toombs explained that he was surprised about receiving the award and thought he was just doing his part to accomplish the mission.

"I wasn't expecting this award, I'm just another guy who puts in my two cents," Toombs said. "I've been just doing my job and at the end of the day, my two cents added up to being a couple of dollars with the help of my wingmen to have a bigger impact."