A Reservist serving as a military training instructor with the 433rd Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, Tex., (a part of Joint Base San Antonio), TSgt. Ricardo A. Chavez is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. Chavez began his Air Force career as a security forces specialist, including serving as an undercover agent for a joint drug enforcement team, before switching to the Reserve and cross-training as a military training instructor. Chavez has the Master MTI Blue Rope Award and is among USAF’s top MTIs. He is considered a BEAST master—training recruits in basic combat skills and improving courseware in USAF’s new Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training program. He has improved the MTI process, cutting class prep time by 26 percent and equipment errors by 42 percent. Chavez also serves as an MTI training manager, providing orientation and ensuring compliance for newly assigned instructors. Chavez’s home of record is El Paso, Tex. He represents Air Force Reserve Command among this year’s outstanding airmen. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date:
TSgt. Dustin K. Goodwin SrA. Nora L. Limjoco
TSgt. Bradley A. Williams SrA. Daniel T. Skidmore