Pease Airman recognized as top performer

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Alec Vargus
  • 157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H --  New Hampshire Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jonathan Rideout of the 157th Air Refueling Wing was recently selected as the Command Post Senior NCO of the Year within the Air National Guard for 2013.

There were a number of strong nominations which resulted in a high level of competition for this award according to the National Guard Bureau, where final voting took place.

Maj. Toby Pellenz, the Command Post Officer in Charge completed his award package and spoke to some of the qualities that make Rideout a top command post controller.
"Jon is a gifted leader and remarkable manager," said Pellenz. "Last year he trained 12 other controllers and more than 90 aircrew in preparation for our Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection which resulted in an 'Excellent' overall rating for the wing and an 'Outstanding' rating for the Command Post."

Other accomplishments in 2013 include completing Senior NCO Academy as well as a Unit Deployment Manager course which Rideout now utilizes to track more than 50 wing member's personal readiness.

Col. Peter Sullivan, 157th Air Refueling Wing vice commander included a letter of recommendation with the nomination that also praised Rideout's personal qualities in addition to extensive knowledge in his career field.

"He is an individual of outstanding character and integrity who possesses an unparalleled level of knowledge and enthusiasm which is why he is so highly respected by peers and supervisors alike," wrote Sullivan.

Rideout has been a member of the wing since 1997, and has been in his current role since 2002. He reflected on how it feels to be selected for the award out of so many high performers across the Air National Guard in the same role.

"I feel it is an honor to be selected among my peers in the Air National Guard," said Rideout.

Rideout also made a point to share the credit with other members of the wing.

"I feel my selection is a testament to the great men and women who make up the Command Post team," said Rideout. I also feel it speaks volumes of the mentoring I have received over the years as a member of the 157th."

Outside of being an outstanding airman Rideout is actively involved with his community, regularly volunteering with his wife Melanie's girl scout troop and organizations like Make-A-Wish foundation.