Laughlin Airman receives prestigious award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Many awards are given throughout the year to military personnel, but none like the Order of the Daedalians' Orville Wright Achievement Award.

The award is presented to outstanding graduates of the undergraduate pilot training schools of the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command, the Navy's Naval Air Training Command, and the Army's Army Aviation School, for the students' superior academic prowess, flying skills, leadership and military bearing.

During a meeting at Club XL on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, June 26, the award was presented to 2nd Lt. Jeremy Lutes, a 47th Student Squadron graduate who now flies F-15E Strike Eagles at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

"Not only was he well prepared and hardworking with a great attitude," said Maj. Anthony Thompson, 47th Operations Group director of staff and Lutes' former flight commander, "he was also genuinely concerned with the progress of his classmates."

Lutes, who missed only four out of 660 questions, was often found devoting extra time helping his classmates study by simplifying or explaining concepts they didn't understand.

"As the class leader, he was instrumental in organizing Friday evening flight room events to help them capitalize on the lessons learned throughout the week and share the knowledge gained in the flight room," said Thompson.

Aside from dedicating his time helping his classmates with class work, Lutes could also be found on the weekends helping classmates with house projects.

"All in all, Lt. Lutes is a great guy and was a phenomenal student. It was a pleasure having him in the flight," said Thompson.