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***image1***One million gallons of jet fuel. One month. One Airman.
Airman 1st Class Demaurio Taylor, 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight fuels mobile operator, became the first fuels expert to eclipse the million-gallon mark twice while stationed at Ramstein.
In October, the 23-year-old from Waycross, Ga. single-handedly issued 1.1 million gallons of aviation fuel to both wing and Air Mobility Command aircraft, servicing a range of air frames. He passed the marker for the first time during the surge of support for operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom in August 2003.
“By repeating, he has set an example to his peers that Airmen can continue to shine throughout their careers,” said Capt. Dale Nelson, 435th LRS Fuels Management Flight commander.
Airman Taylor broke the one-million-gallon mark while working solely on regular eight-hour shifts. All previous million gallon pumpers – only seven have been recorded in Ramstein’s history – performed their work during 12-hour shifts.
“To accomplish such a feat on an eight-hour schedule clearly demonstrates Airman Taylor’s superior drive and dedication to duty,” said Chief Master Sgt. Larry Reddish, 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels manager. “He had to put in as much effort in eight hours as the past winners had done in 12.”
Airman Taylor and 121 other fuels professionals combined to issue 86 million gallons of JP-8 fuel during the 2004 fiscal year, powering the movement of critical supplies downrange and launching medical evacuation missions for operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“Their vital mission support must not go unnoticed with the broad airlift operations at Ramstein,” said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Wells, 435th LRS fuels mobile shift supervisor. “Airman Taylor’s actions have helped to assure that.”
“This drive was more to me than just in-flight recognition,” said Airman Taylor. “Anybody can achieve anything as long as they set their mind in the right direction and continue to strive for the best.”
