Diamond Sharp Airmen: Promising protector

Editor's note: This feature is the 15th in a series of Air Commando spotlights at Cannon. The airmen being highlighted are recent Diamond Sharp award winners. Diamond Sharp is a monthly program where Airmen are recognized by wing leadership and first sergeants for their hard work and achievements.

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James Wernke, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare systems technician, stands atop an AC-130H Spectre gunship at Cannon Air Force Base. Wernke is a recent Diamond Sharp award recipient who was recently recognized by wing leadership and first sergeants for his hard work and achievements.

Domination of critical portions of the electromagnetic spectrum to influence, disrupt or deny adversaries of U.S. forces — this is electronic warfare!

The Air Force establishes that electronic warfare is a military action involving electromagnetic or directed energy to attack or defend against enemy forces. Electromagnetic energies include things like radar and radio frequencies, infrared, visible and ultraviolet light, as well as less-used portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

To employ tactics such as deception, disruption, jamming or direct attacks utilizing electronic warfare, the 27th Special Operations Wing relies on a unique set of skilled technicians.

"Particle beams, chaff and flare, infrared gear — you really have to love what you do when you're dealing with this type of sophisticated equipment," said Airman 1st Class James Wernke, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare systems technician. "I'm very passionate about my job; my skills keep our aircraft, and more importantly aircrews, safe while in flight."

The Air Commando experienced a big transition from the civilian world to the military one. Wernke worked construction and landscaping before enlisting and taking on what he considers an invaluable profession.

The Cincinnati, Ohio, native attended Ohio State University prior to enlisting. When he considered long-term career progression, the Air Force was his clear choice.

"My job is very difficult and mentally challenging, but I enjoy every moment of it," Wernke stated. "I love being a part of Air Force Special Operations Command — this is where the fight is!"

Leadership describes Wernke as a model airman. His dedication to the wing on and off duty contributed toward his recognition as a Diamond Sharp award recipient for February. Wernke also received the 27 SOMXG Airman Maintenance Professional award for the fourth quarter.

"Hard work is always its own reward," Wernke added. "I never expected to be recognized by leadership for what I'm entrusted to do on the job. I just do my job to the best of my ability day in and day out."

"That is the key — keep working hard and don't stop," he continued. "Be proactive, don't seek out attention or praise and perform when you think no one is looking — someone always is."