Airmen of Altus: AETC Airman of the Year, SSgt. Jack Brown Published July 16, 2025 By Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Get to know Air Education and Training Command’s Airman of the Year, Staff Sgt. Jack Brown, 97th Healthcare Operations Squadron TRICARE operations and patient administration non-commissioned officer in charge, from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, who rises to daily challenges while maintaining high standards below. Can you share a recent experience where you were challenged to perform at your absolute best? What did you learn about yourself through that experience? I don’t think there is just one experience I have had recently that I was challenged to perform to my absolute best, I try to approach every situation, big or small, with the same mindset and that’s to give whatever my 100% is that day, sometimes I only have 70% but you can count on it that I am going to give you 100% of that 70%. The Air Force emphasizes both precision and lethality. How do you apply those concepts within your specific role to ensure mission success for Altus AFB? As a 4A (Health Services Management), precision is the job. In our field, we might be managing patient records, ensuring readiness data is accurate, or even assisting with patient benefits; there is zero room for error, people’s health and mission readiness depend on it. With our team maintaining accurate documentation and streamlined processes, we can make sure that Airmen are medically ready to train and deploy at a moment’s notice. This readiness is where our lethality comes from, ensuring our force is fit, cleared, and capable of carrying out our mission to train exceptional mobility Airmen. How have you seen the principle of meritocracy reflected in your work environment at Altus, and how does it motivate you to perform at your best? I have seen the principle of meritocracy implemented throughout the Wing since I arrived four years ago. By this principle being highlighted, it allows Airmen to stand out based on their performance, and being a part of the medical group, that’s no problem! What specific steps do you take in your role to ensure you and your team are always prepared to execute the mission, even on short notice? I have recently stepped into a more visible leadership position and my Flight Commander, 2nd Lt. Darby, has an amazing saying, “If you stay ready, you never have to get ready." I have really tried to embody this saying, and it has begun to allow our team to flourish and become proactive not reactive. How does your work at Altus directly or indirectly contribute to maintaining the Air Force's lethality on the global stage? Being in the Health Services Management career field, my work directly and indirectly supports the Air Force’s global lethality by making sure our Airmen are medically ready to deploy and execute at a moment’s notice. 4A’s manage medical records, medical registration, and even readiness data. By ensuring all this information is up to date and accurate, we are helping commanders make informed decisions about their force deployment capabilities. Altus AFB is a vital training hub for aircrew members on the KC-135, C-17, and KC-46. As a 4A, I help ensure the smooth operations of the 97th Medical Group, which in turn supports the health and availability of instructors, students, and support staff. Without reliable medical care, the flow of qualified aircrew into the operational Air Force would slow, reducing global mobility and refueling capabilities. My work might not involve pulling the trigger or flying on a mission, but it is foundational to ensuring that those who do are ready, healthy, and mission-capable, making a huge strategic impact on the Air Force’s ability to project power and defend national interests around the world.