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Hickam first sergeant named best in PACAF

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  One of Hickam's own has been chosen as the Pacific Air Forces First Sergeant of the Year.

After winning at the group, wing and now major command level, Master Sgt. Alfred Wells Jr., 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, will now go on to compete for a spot as one of the Air Forces' 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

"I've felt an overwhelming sense of pride with each win," said Wells. "It was tough competition and I was happy to even be competing at that level and totally surprised to win. It's an exciting and humbling experience ... I cried after every win."

Wells, who has been in the Air Force for 22 years, said to even be in the running to be one of the 12 OAY is absolutely amazing, especially considering he only ever set out to be a group-level award winner.

"This is beyond what I even thought was possible," he said.

Among the many accomplishments Wells is being recognized for are a slew of successful community events including organizing the annual Cookie Caper, a spouses appreciation dinner and a fundraiser with Hickam honorary commanders. Additionally, Wells served as the First Sergeant's Council secretary, the Hawaii top 3 vice president and the Parent Involvement Board vice president.

"I've been in the Air Force for 27 years and Master Sgt. Wells is by far the best first sergeant I have had the pleasure to work with during my career," said Maj. Jerrymar Copeland, 15th AMXS commander. "He is, in my humble opinion, the definition of what it means to be a first sergeant. As you can see by his involvement across Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the local community and beyond he goes out of his way, to care for and support all Airmen and their dependents. This award is a well-deserved recognition for a First Sergeant that goes way above and beyond. Great Job!"

Though the First Sergeant of The Year is an individual award, Wells made it clear he thinks his success is in large part a team effort.

"No first sergeant reaches any level of success without the First Sergeant's Council," he said. "The council makes the shirt. If a first sergeant needs anything they rely on the council and the council will never let a shirt fail. You can't do it by yourself. You need your family, friends and peers to have success in anything."

Wells, a Hammond, Louisiana, native, has been a first sergeant since August 2013, however, his journey toward his dream job began long before then.

After having a positive encounter with his own first sergeant during a rough patch as an avionics technician when he was a senior airman his mind was made up that he would one day follow in his footsteps.

"One of my first sergeants was extremely helpful in my development and I liked what he brought to the fight," he said. "I was a back shop avionics guy and it amazed me how he was able to focus on people and be all about the people. He was concerned with who I was as a person and that made me say, one day I'm going to do that too."

Just as his first sergeant guided him toward his path, Wells offers advice to Airmen looking to be successful in their own careers.

"Men are like timber ... the stronger the breeze the stronger the trees," he said of one of his personal leadership philosophies. "Adversity is the true test of a person. If you don't go through things how can you talk people through things."

Wells also suggests Airmen do things they are passionate about.

"Do what you love," he said. "I was a first sergeant before I actually became a diamond wearing first sergeant. Do the thing that you enjoy and for the right reasons and success will come naturally."