Kadena Airman explodes upward, becoming PACAF’s NCO of the year

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Keeter, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of operations with the explosives ordinance disposal flight on Kadena Air Base, Japan, is presented with Pacific Air Forces’ NCO of the year award with U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Amrhein, 18th Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hoffman, 18th Wing command chief, as well as members of the EOD flight, May 11, 2016. Winning PACAF NCO of the year has placed Keeter in the running for the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, an Air Force level award, denoting him as an NCO who leads from the front. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nick Emerick)

Kadena Airman explodes upward, becoming PACAF's NCO of the year

Published May 23, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Nick Emerick
18th Wing Public Affairs

5/24/2016 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- -- A Kadena explosive ordinance Airman has been named Pacific Air Forces' NCO of the year.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Keeter, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of operations with the explosives ordinance disposal flight, was presented the award on May 11, 2016.

From education and coaching youth football to mission related opportunities such as range clearances, Keeter, with the support of his team and family, works hard to embody the total Airman concept.

"The camaraderie in the shop is outstanding; we're all brothers and sisters, especially because of the nature of our job," said Keeter. "I love everything about what I do. I love the people, the responsibilities, everything. As cheesy as it sounds, everyone helped me accomplish the things I did this year."

According to Keeter, becoming PACAF NCO of the year wasn't something he had planned on winning; he was just trying to be the best Airman he could be.

"Staff Sgt. Keeter embodies the words outstanding job performance." said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hoffman, 18th Wing command chief. "What he accomplished this year was nothing short of impressive and inspiring! We are proud of him and the entire EOD team. The culture of excellence and outstanding leadership that defines his unit resulted in the NCO he is today. He represents his team, the 18th Wing, and will represent PACAF extremely well as he competes and hopefully wins at the Air Force level."

Winning PACAF NCO of the year has placed Keeter in the running for the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, an Air Force level award, denoting him as an NCO who truly leads from the front.

"I'm ecstatic I won this award, and hope to go up to the next level. I'm proud to represent PACAF as the NCO of the year. It's something I never expected, it's pretty awesome," said Keeter.