HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force strives to recognize consistent hard work, especially when that hard work yields exceptional results.
Master Sgt. Cody Biorn, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron productions superintendent, was recently awarded the 2019 General Lew Allen Jr. Award at the Air Education and Training Command level.
This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in aircraft, munitions, or missile maintenance directly involved in aircraft sortie generation.
Biorn received this award because of his achievements that included deploying for 193 days in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, launching 499 combat sorties and delivering 209 munitions.
Although he submitted a package highlighting his accomplishments for the year, Biorn was shocked to learn he had won an award at such a high-level and credited his team for his success.
“I don't launch aircraft,” said Biorn. “But it is my job to make sure it happens. Without the young Airman launching, refueling and inspecting the aircraft, the big mission never happens. It really is a team effort.”
Given the amount of dedication Biorn displays in his career, he has no shortage of inspiration on a daily basis by the people around him.
“Seeing some of these young Airmen come in, that may not know the whole mission, and watching them get the job satisfaction of seeing the end result actually matters,” said Biorn. “Everything they do on a daily basis matters, and to be able to tie that all together is huge.”
Biorn is motivated daily by the development of his Airmen, and his leadership style reflects that mutual respect.
“Respect goes both ways,” said Biorn. “I can’t demand respect if I don’t give it. I’m all about explaining the ‘why’. When I come in, and say, ‘Hey, I need you to do this,’ I've already established that rapport with that Airman, they will know what needs to be done to complete the mission and why it is important.”
As far as moving forward, Biorn said he plans to continue enabling his Airmen to launch aircraft, while improving unit cohesion. Efforts that he hopes will help him become a lead productions superintendent before he retires.