Tyndall sergeant earns Thomas N. Barnes Crew Chief of the Year award Published March 27, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall's Staff Sgt. Joshua Bard, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-22 Raptor crew chief, earned the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Crew Chief of the Year award during the 2012 Maintenance and Staff Professionals of the Year banquet in Hangar 1 March 15. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native said he was honored to receive the award. The award is based on an individual's ability to maintain the highest levels of readiness and efficiency to achieve excellence in all maintenance areas. "I am very honored to win the Chief Barnes award for the 325th Fighter Wing. It's the most prestigious award a crew chief can be given," he said. Sergeant Bard has been in the Air Force for more than 10 years and worked in the maintenance career field throughout his enlistment. His favorite part about his job is the job itself. "I love working with my hands and fixing mechanical structures and the camaraderie it builds with other people," said Sergeant Bard. The MPOY banquet recognizes the achievements of the maintenance group and honors maintenance professionals each year. The original maintenance professional award was established in 1979 to recognize outstanding performance of direct, sortie-producing maintenance specialists. Support, training and staff personnel make vital contributions to effective sortie production. Tyndall recognized these important professionals in their diversified career fields. For additional photos of the event Common Access Card holders can click here.