7 SOPS Citizen Airman nominated for Lance P. Sijan Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura Turner
  • 310th Space Wing Public Affairs


Staff Sgt. Michael E. Myers II, a Reserve Citizen Airman at the 7th Space Operations Squadron, was nominated by Air Force Reserve Command for the 2017 Lance P. Sijan award, Junior Enlisted Category, on August 29th. The award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted leaders who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and conduct of their personal lives.

“The entire squadron is excited, but not surprised, that Staff Sgt. Myers was nominated for such a prestigious award,” said Maj. Adam Beccue, Myers’ supervisor. “Since the day he joined 7 SOPS, he has exuded professionalism and a tenacity for accomplishing the mission.”

Staying professional is paramount to setting an example as a leader, explained Myers.

“The first impression that someone will have of you sets the bar for future interactions. Making sure that your uniform is sharp, as well as having a clean shave and haircut, will go a long way,” said Myers. “Following that, customs and courtesies should never be abandoned.”

A few leaders have stood out to Myers throughout his career, but one in particular set the bar for the rest.

“Every day, Senior Master Sgt. Darren Williams (retired) came into work looking sharp and expected the same from everyone else,” said Myers. “It didn’t matter the rank, if someone was not following perfect dress and appearance he would pull them aside and respectfully let them know. His leadership didn’t stop with AFI’s either, he took Airmen under him and molded each of them to be leaders in turn. This has always stuck out to me and shaped the way I see leadership.”

Myers continues to set high goals for himself in his Air Force career. He is currently in the process of applying for the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program Active Duty Scholarship (SLECP-A).

“If I am not accepted into that program, I plan on completing my Biochemistry degree by 2020 and applying for the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program (DACP),” said Myers.

He encourages other Citizen Airmen to go far in their career and personal lives as well by stepping up and taking the jobs that no one else wants.

“Ask your supervisor what work you can take off their hands,” said Myers. “And never ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself. Being a leader is more than just giving orders, it is working alongside your fellow Airmen and making sure their morale is up.”