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XLer of the week: Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Andrews

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marco A. Gomez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Technical Sgt. Nathaniel Andrews, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of July 15, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Harper, 47th Mission Support Group superintendent, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.

Andrews managed the emergency response fleet, which included more than $14 million in total assets and ensured prompt response in case of a real-world emergency.

“My main goal is to make sure all my guys are safe and making sure I make the right decisions to not put them in harm’s way in any emergency,” said Andrews.

He also mentored two Airmen and revamped the on-the-job training program to more effectively provide training to Airmen upgrading to their 5-level.

“For our new Airmen coming in, we have what’s called a ‘rookie book’ and it outlines our daily basic tasks like shift changes, roll-call and truck checkout,” said Andrews. “It breaks down everything we do and gives them a better idea of how the [firehouse] and military work together.”

Andrews earned this week’s “XLer” for overcoming challenges that would disrupt Laughlin’s fire response team and for further developing his troops to the next level by educating them on crucial protocol in case of an emergency.