An air traffic controller assigned to the 88th Operations Support Squadron here was presented with the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association's Outstanding Military Member Award Jan. 29 by Sandra Brasington, Western Ohio Regional Liaison for Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan Inman received the award during a short ceremony at the air traffic control facility in recognition of his outstanding job performance during a three-year period as he demonstrated increased resilience and ability to adapt and overcome personal challenges he and his family faced together.
"On behalf of the governor and lieutenant governor, we want to recognize you as you receive the Outstanding Military Member Award," Brasington said. "We congratulate you for what you do, not only for your community, but for the Air Force and your country. Ohio wants to recognize you and we want to thank you all for your service."
Difficult Family Challenges
In October 2012, the couple learned that their unborn daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, an inherited life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. Soon after that, three members of the Inman family passed away unexpectedly.
Despite the terrible challenges and difficulties Inman faced, he was recognized as the air traffic control tower's Superior Performer for the 2012 Airfield Operations Compliance Inspection and was also selected as Air Traffic Controller of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2012. In addition, he also completed his Community College of the Air Force associate's degree in Airway Science with a 4.0 grade point average. He was also promoted to staff sergeant the first time he was test-eligible, and while attending Airman Leadership School, he earned the John L. Levitow Award for exceptional leadership.
"Growing up, both of us came from pretty rocky backgrounds,” Aimee Inman said. “Once we joined the Air Force and became part of the Air Force family, we learned what the Air Force could offer us and how the Air Force could take care of us. We quickly learned that if you take care of the Air Force, the Air Force will take care of you."
"No matter what life throws us, we have to play the hand we're dealt, so we'll continue to show up and do the best we can," Bryan Inman said, adding that he and his wife are thankful for the support of their leaders.
"Every time something came up, [our leaders were] always more than willing to do everything they could to help,” he said. “The resiliency training that the Air Force started providing recently definitely added to our strength while going through these situations."