JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md, –
In the first assignment of his Air Force career, Airman 1st Class Herman Elefant, 11th Logistic Readiness Squadron vehicle management and analysis technician, is being recognized as Warrior of the Week for taking initiative and implementing an efficient and effective plan which saved the Air Force thousands of dollars.
The Elizabeth, New Jersey native, responsible for the acceptance and disposition of Air Force vehicles, volunteered to seek out the most efficient option for transporting eight staircase trucks destined for salvage. Within just a few days, he thoroughly sourced five alternative options with savings of more than $12,000 and presented them to the Chief of the Vehicle Management Flight.
"It's a great honor to be nominated," he said, "Not only do I represent my family and my unit; but the United States Air Force," said Elefant. "We have a very unique mission here at Joint Base Andrews. We support the U.S. President, high-visibility leaders and foreign dignitaries. We are the face of the country."
Doing his part to answer his nations call, Elefant coordinated with the traffic management office on researching the cost and mileage for commercial sources; as well as the Civil Engineer Squadron and vehicle operations on availability of government vehicle assets to transport these vehicles.
He then went an extra step, to verify route clearances; he personally drove each route.
Elefant's thorough research enabled vehicle management to make the best educated decision to ensure the vehicles reached salvage in the most efficient and economical manner.
He used his knowledge to strengthen the force. He holds a certified commercial driver license with passenger and hazardous material endorsement and is 6 courses shy of getting his Community College of the Air Force degree in production management.
The Warrior of the Week had great ambitions when he joined the Air Force in May 2011.
"Living across the river from New York, I was deeply affected by the events of 9/11," said Elefant. "I personally knew several people who lost loved ones in those attacks and decided to join the military in order to prevent actions like this from occurring again. My father also instilled in me a love for planes and aviation so I knew the Air Force was for me."
Elefant also said he enjoys spending time with his wife Cynthia traveling, volunteering, reading, working out, hiking, mountain bike riding and is a member of a race car team.