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AETC senior NCO named AF Enlisted Aide of the Year

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  Becoming an enlisted aide in the Air Force is not just another career path but a unique and challenging opportunity to assist general officers accomplish their primary military and official duties.

Each year the Air Force recognizes the best of these enlisted aides for their outstanding achievements and significant contributions as dedicated professionals for general officers.

This year the Air Force selected Master Sgt. Roy Bowser as winner of the 2006 Enlisted Aide of the Year Award for the Senior-Aide Category Oct. 12. Sergeant Bowser is an enlisted aide for Gen. William R. Looney III, commander of Air Education and Training Command.

"Sergeant Bowser has shouldered his additional responsibilities as the command's enlisted aide functional manager with the utmost integrity, pride and excellence," General Looney said. "I am confident in saying Roy can meet any challenge and clearly deserves this recognition."

The 16-year Air Force veteran became an enlisted aide in July 1999 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The following year he assumed enlisted aide duties for then Major General Looney at Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

On each subsequent assignment, the general selected Sergeant Bowser to continue as his enlisted aide.

"Enlisted aides are true professionals that take great pride in their field and their contributions to the United States Air Force," Sergeant Bowser said. "I was given the opportunity to do a lot of exciting things this year but I never thought I could top it with this award."

According to the enlisted aide Web site, enlisted aide duty is a voluntary special duty open to all career Airmen. Enlisted aides are assigned to specific general officers for the purpose of relieving them of tasks and details, which if performed by the officer would be at the expense of the officer's primary military and official duties.

An enlisted aide is not a maid, cook or butler, but some of their tasks consist of administrative duties, culinary skills, property and grounds maintenance, entertainment, uniform care and supporting the general on temporary duty. These duties enable enlisted aides in earning advanced certifications in household management and culinary arts.

"A lot of people are too quick to classify our work as a "little cooking and cleaning" until they take the time to find out all of what we do," Sergeant Bowser said. "My primary function is to support the commander and his wife when they entertain local government officials, CEOs of local and national companies, educators, senators, congressmen and foreign military leaders."

All three-star and four-star generals are authorized at least one enlisted aide and one and two-star generals can be designated an aide as well. General officers in special command positions such as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force are authorized up to four enlisted aides.

In addition to Sergeant Bowser, another AETC member took top honors. Tech. Sgt. Gregory Krems won in the Junior-Aide Category. Sergeant Krems is the enlisted aide for Lt. Gen. Lorenz, Air University commander.