This year's recipient of the 944th Fighter Wing "Graydon Williams Award" is Senior Master Sergeant James A. Smtih.

Senior Master Sergeant James A. Smith serves as the Force Development Superintendent for the 944th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. He is responsible for the establishment and management of the wing's training programs, including formal training schools, Career Development Courses, and upgrades training management. He is also responsible for the management of Air Force educational programs including the GI Bill program, Tuition Assistance Program and Community College of the Air Force Associate's degree program. SMSgt Smith supervises a team of four-wing training managers, one group training manager and 29 unit training managers.

SMSgt Smith was born and raised in Piqua, Ohio, and enlisted into active duty service in the Air Force in 1986. He completed Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland, AFB, Texas in April 1987 and completed his first technical training school at Chanute AFB, Illinois in June 1987. After his initial active duty enlistment, he transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1990. He has served with the Reserve from 1990 to the present, 29 of those years as an Air Reserve Technician (ART). 

EDUCATION

1987 Airframe Repair Specialist School, Chanute AFB, Ill.

1990 NCO Prep Course, Luke AFB, Ariz.

2001 Maintenance Production Management Apprentice School, Sheppard AFB, Texas

2004 Maintenance Production Management Craftsman School, Sheppard AFB, Texas

2005 NCO Academy, Non-residence

2009 Education and Training Apprentice School, Keesler AFB, Miss.

2012 Civilian Personnel Management Training, Luke AFB, Ariz.

2012 AFRC SNCO Leadership Development Course, Luke AFB, Ariz.

2020 SNCO Academy, Non-residence

2021 Associate's Degree, Education and Training Management, Community College of the Air Force

ASSIGNMENTS

1. July 1987 – September 1990, Sheet metal Mechanic, 58th EMS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

2. September 1990 – December 1990, Sheet metal Mechanic, 94th CAMS, Dobbins AFB, Ga.

3. December 1990 – May 1994, Sheet metal Mechanic, 944th CAMS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

4. May 1994 – May 1995, Materials Expediter, 302nd FS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

5. May 1995 – May 1997, Aircraft Mechanic, 302nd FS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

6. May 1997 – November 2000, Sheet metal Mechanic, 944th MXS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

7. November 2000 – January 2007, Production Controller, 302nd FS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

8. January 2007 – January 2009, Production Controller, 419th MOF, Hill AFB, Utah

9. January 2009 – Present, Education and Training Technician, 944th FSS, Luke AFB, Ariz.

 MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

AF Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters

AF Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with nine oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Southwest Asia Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Global War on Terrorism Medal

Armed Forces Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

AF Longevity Medal with seven oak leaf clusters

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with three devices

USAF NCO PME Graduation Ribbon

AF Training Ribbon

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

2021 Graydon Williams Award winner

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Airman First Class July 5, 1988

Senior Airman March 5, 1990

Staff Sergeant January 1, 1992

Technical Sergeant March 1, 2001

Master Sergeant May 1, 2011

Senior Master Sergeant January 1, 2021

(Current as of March 2021)