Command Post superintendent earns Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AFB, Mont. --  Officials recently announced Master Sgt. Derek Lemon, 341st Space Wing Command Post superintendent, as the 2006 Air Force Space Command Command Post Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. 

Sergeant Lemon earned this award due in part to his selfless leadership, volunteer activities and innovation. 

Sergeant Lemon's leadership eased the way for 34 controllers through an Operations Readiness Inspection and Nuclear Surety Inspection and earned an excellent rating and professional team of the year award. 

The father of three also volunteers for multiple causes and organized the Top Three Airmen's Center volunteer cadre. 

On the job, Sergeant Lemon has implemented many changes and fixed multiple programs, increasing mission accomplishment rates significantly. 

While at work, Sergeant Lemon ensures all command post systems are operational and optimized. He also makes sure on-duty controllers have all the tools needed to do their jobs quickly, accurately and efficiently. 

When he's not at work though, the Ohio native said he enjoys spending time with his family, church activities, watching and participating in sports, outdoor recreation, as well as computers and the internet. 

Of course, after being in the Air Force for almost 22 years, Sergeant Lemon has accumulated many memorable Air Force moments. 

"As a former security policeman and in my current career field, you see a lot - good, bad and scary." Sergeant Lemon said. "I'd say hearing President Bush Sr. address the command posts and the alert force on the Primary Alerting System and standing down the alert force at the end of the Cold War was one of my most memorable moments. I have a laminated copy of that message." 

As far as influences, Sergeant Lemon said he wished he could name them all. 

"I'd say my greatest influence was Col. Mark Jelonek whom I worked for at 14th Air Force. He was the Joint Space Operations Center Director at the time," Sergeant Lemon said. "He was an awesome leader and the core values personified." 

Sergeant Lemon said he was humbled and grateful to win this award.