Photo By Master Sgt. Joseph Harwood | Senior Master Sgt. Mark Schneider, a pavement, maintenance and construction equipment...... read more read more
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Senior Master Sgt. Mark Schneider, a pavement, maintenance and construction equipment superintendent, for the 200th RED HORSE, Camp Perry, Ohio, was awarded Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the state of Ohio. He also went on to win the regional level competition and will be advancing to the national level competition.
Schneider has served at the 200th RED HORSE for over 18 years. He manages the largest shop in RED HORSE and oversees cradle to grave construction projects.
Schneider attributes his success to the Airmen under him.
“Their hard work and dedication allowed us to achieve the things that we did,” said Schneider.
Schneider and his team were deployed in 2020 right as COVID-19 started hitting hard. Having to adapt and overcome the obstacles of COVID regulations hindered the norm of human interaction and the bond that is usually formed while on deployment, said Schneider.
Being personal and approachable was important for Schneider. Providing support to his Airmen helped instill the trust necessary to build a bond and bridge the gap that COVID created.
“A huge hurdle that was challenging was helping our Airmen cope with their home lives and the effects their spouses had to overcome with new stipulations such as working from home and homeschooling their children,” said Schneider.
Nevertheless, he had to step up and make decisions to keep morale high in an environment where supplies were short and logistics were hindered, said Schneider.
“RED HORSE Airmen rely on work to keep them occupied in a deployed environment," said Schneider. "It was a challenge for our team to get them what they needed to complete the mission and give them something to be proud of.”
They worked hard on the logistics and were able to get the materials needed to get their projects back on schedule, said Schneider. This allowed the Airmen to produce a quality product in an environment where nothing was guaranteed.
Schneider said his group was able to set the next rotation up for success, while exceeding the expectations set before them.
“Our Airmen left feeling accomplished, safe, healthy and satisfied," said Schneider. "That’s something to be proud of in itself.”
Schneider said his biggest accomplishment this past year was assisting in furthering his Airmen.
“Through mentorship, I was able to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities. I was able to give them something that they will be able to use to teach others and grow as an organization.”
Schneider said he hopes to make chief within a year and potentially become the command chief for the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, before he retires. This would allow him to continue his path of leadership and mentorship.
Schneider felt honored to receive the award for Senior NCO of the Year. He said it shows him that he has great Airmen and without them none of this would be possible.
“It’s a sign that I have nothing but great people around me.” said Schneider. “I’m very thankful to be in the position that I am.”
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2021 15:24 |
| Story ID: | 390142 |
| Location: | PORT CLINTON, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 544 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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