Shaw SNCO wins prestigious leadership award

Published Sept. 22, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Managing three flights and approximately 53 members, and leading the squadron to $12 million in dental care for 11,000 beneficiaries, are just some of the many reasons one Shaw Airman earned the Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award.

Senior Master Sgt. Eric Hall, 20th Dental Squadron superintendent recently learned he is the Air Combat Command winner.

Sergeant Hall talked of how humbled he was to receive the prestigious award. "All I can say is, 'Wow!'" he exclaimed. "It was an honor to go up to group level, but to win at ACC is mind blowing."

"You have to have the whole person concept," Sergeant Hall said. "Do the job well, lead community and always finding ways to better yourself." "Pay it forward to the Air Force," is the motto for the 22-year career Airman.

"Chiefs are always standing up and saying to get your Community College of the Air Force degree . . .," Sergeant Hall added. "I'm proud of the fact that I received my (degree)."

"Sergeant Hall was a natural choice to nominate for this prestigious recognition," said Lt. Col. Kathleen Gates, 20th DS commander. "I have many in my squadron who embody the spirit of the award, but it was Sergeant Hall who demonstrated the greatest breadth of responsibility and leadership."

Although Sergeant Hall has only been at Shaw for a short time, he has managed to make his mark.

"Sergeant Hall really jumped into the squadron with both boots from day one," Colonel Gates said. "He wasted no time putting his touch on every aspect of dental operations. His leadership style matches my own quite nicely, and it has been a joy working with him. Sergeant Hall's experience has turned him into a sought after mentor and giver of advice for all the Airmen of my squadron-enlisted, civilian and officer."

Not only does Sergeant Hall do his regular job, but he has found the time to become the Shaw Top 3 vice president and volunteer about 60 hours outside the job.

His day-to-day job includes advising the commander on enlisted issues, he said. He also trains, leads and develops those under him. As for advice for younger Airmen, Sergeant Hall reiterates to do the right thing. "Take care of your people, follow the Air Force core values. Do the right thing, and the rest will fall into place."

But Sergeant Hall's leadership knew he would be able to win.

"I had no doubt that Sergeant Hall would be an ACC winner, and I'm very confident he can win at Air Force (level) as well," Colonel Gates said. "It's a tough crowd, competition wise, so even if he doesn't hit the pinnacle, it's still a fabulous achievement for him to be one of that group."

While Sergeant Hall is the one usually giving advice Colonel Gates had a few words of wisdom for the Lake City, Fla. Native.

"My advice to Sergeant Hall would be to continue what he's been doing, as he's obviously been successful," she said. "His strengths lie firmly in his leadership and ability to impart his wisdom and experience to others."

Sergeant Hall was sure to mention that while it was an individual award, he could not take all the credit.

"A whole lot of work goes into an award like this," Sergeant Hall said. "It takes everyone, Airmen, officers and civilians to get the mission accomplished."

And as for the possibility of winning an Air Force level award, Sergeant Hall is not sweating it.
"If I don't win, I know whoever (will) is deserving, and I would be the first to shake his or her hand."

The award, named after the first Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, recognizes Airmen who have displayed selfless service and excellent leadership skills while assigned to an organization at the wing level and below. The award was created in 1981 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in their lives and in their jobs.

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