Surprise promotion ceremony held for Reservist in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrea Knudson
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Few surprises while deployed to the desert tend to be good ones, such as dust storms, snakes in one's room, or everyone's favorite -- the air conditioner stopped working again. But for one deployed Reservist at Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq, a particular surprise May 21 was a welcoming one.

Tech. Sgt. Ted Fussell, a structural craftsman assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was going about his daily duties of training and supervising local Iraqis on construction projects when Col. Eric Overturf, 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander, stopped by and held a surprise ceremony in honor of Sergeant Fussell's recent civilian promotion to Senior Captain with the Anchorage Fire Department back home.

"I was tricked by my superintendent into thinking I was going to the fire department to look at an upcoming construction project," said Sergeant Fussell who works full time with the fire department in Anchorage. "Instead, the morning roll call started [with] Colonel Overturf [providing] a few words to the group. When he asked me to come forward, I knew something was about to happen."

Both Sergeant Fussell and Colonel Overturf are deployed from Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

Soon after his selection to the rank of Senior Captain, Sergeant Fussell was on a plane bound for Iraq and was unable to participate in a promotion ceremony with his fire team. A co-worker at Fire Station Number 3, Sergeant Fussell's assigned fire station, wanted to ensure Sergeant Fussell would not miss out on this rite of passage and sent the Senior Captain badge with a fellow Reservist also deploying to Iraq.

"The department thought it would be nice for him to get the recognition he deserved ... if Ted had something with him to remind him of us, the hard work he does here and what he can look forward to when he comes back," said Mr. Glen Williams, a 27-year-veteran with the Anchorage Fire Department who has worked with Sergeant Fussell for three years. "Ted is great. He doesn't draw attention to himself or toot his own horn. He is humble and hard working." Mr. Williams said Sergeant Fussell's crew, his subordinates and supervisors all think very highly him.

Reservists deployed with Sergeant Fussell echo Mr. Williams' sentiments.

"Sergeant Fussell is always [helpful] and never complains. He's the kind of guy who recognizes issues and resolves them without ever looking for the credit," said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Zellar, superintendent for the 506th ECES who is also deployed from the 477th FG. "It was great to see this kind of thing happen over here. Ted is a courageous firefighter and selfless Airman. It was inspiring to see the roles blend in this place."

Colonel Overturf said he was happy to present the badge to such a deserving Airman because it underscores the great relationship Arctic Reservists share with their civilian employers.

"My favorite part of being a commander is recognizing outstanding Citizen Airmen like Sergeant Fussell," Colonel Overturf said. "Ted sets the standard for successfully balancing his civilian job, family and military service."

After the ceremony, Sergeant Fussell said he was extremely fortunate to be a part of not one, but two incredibly supportive organizations. He also said he was appreciative his co-worker at the fire department informed the unit about the promotion tradition.

"Captain Williams is an exemplary fireman who consistently puts the needs of his crew, his peers, and the public before his own. I [hold him] in the highest regard," Sergeant Fussell said. "Ensuring that I received a badge ceremony halfway around the world at a Forward Operating Base, in accordance with fire service tradition, is just one example of how Captain Williams goes the extra mile.

"It may not [seem] like a big deal to , but to anyone involved in the fire service, it is. A badge ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the fire service," he said. "Badge ceremonies take place after a fireman has completed probation and each time they promote up through the ranks."

According to Mr. Williams, Sergeant Fussell is one of the youngest Captains to be promoted to Senior Captain. He has been with the fire department for almost 12 years.

"A Senior Captain is responsible for facilities, equipment and apparatus management, along with all other daily Captain responsibilities," he said. "In order to be promoted, you have to have two years time in rank as a Captain and take a promotional exam."

Additionally, candidates are judged, scored and interviewed by their peers in a dozen areas such as honesty, written communication and job performance. The third part of the test is a Chiefs' oral interview. The rank structure within the fire department is Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Senior Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief and Chief.

Upon his return from Iraq, Sergeant Fussell will lead Fire Station Number 3, which has a 100-foot ladder truck, an engine company (fire engine) and a Medical Intensive Care Unit. It also houses the Urban Search and Rescue Team. He will also continue to serve as a structural craftsman in the 477th FG.