Malmstrom civilian presented Air Force award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
A civilian from Malmstrom was awarded a 2015 Air Force level maintenance award during an award presentation July 20.

David Phillips, 341st Munitions Squadron technical advisor and equipment specialist, was presented the 2015 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez award at the Air Force level. The award recognizes the best of the best maintenance professionals in the aircraft, munitions, missile and communications fields for sustained job performance, knowledge and involvement in their duties.

Phillips is a retired Air Force master sergeant who has worked with missiles for more than 30 years. He was once stationed at Malmstrom as an active-duty member and returned to work with missiles as a civilian.

Before earning his spot in competing at the Air Force level, Phillips also won the award at the major command level. However, this is his first Air Force level award he has received in his career.

“I try to do the job to the best of my ability,” Phillips said. “I try to find solutions and keep things on alert and operational. I guess they saw I wanted to get the job done.”

Phillips said he doesn’t know why people put him in for an award and it wasn’t something he expected.

“I don’t mind doing awards for other people, but when it comes to this award, they surprised me on it.”

Capt. Jeffrey Allen, 341st MUNS special weapons flight commander, worked alongside Phillips for two years and put Phillips’ award package together for submission.

“He has a very strong work ethic, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty and is an honored and respected member of our squadron,” Allen said. “When I was writing the award package, he didn’t want the recognition. He is the quiet professional who is most happy when not in the spotlight but he does so much for the Air Force, I had to recognize him.”

Phillips was humbled by his awards at the command and Air Force level and credited them to the support he receives from his team every day.

“None of this could have been done without all of the people I work with,” Phillips said. “I believe it is a team effort and everybody has to work together.

“We have some outstanding folks out here, and if it wasn’t for them, there was no way I would have won this award,” he continued. “If they weren’t doing their job, my job wouldn’t have been as easy as it is.”

Both awards now sit in his office, each reminding him of the appreciation the Air Force has for his hard work and dedication he has provided every day.

“It’s always nice to know you’re doing the job well, but I never expected to receive an award this high.”