Laughlin XLer: 1st Lt. Casey Heckman, 85th FTS

First Lt. Casey Heckman, center, 85th Flying Training Squadron T-6A Texan II instructor pilot, poses with Col. Brian Hastings, left, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Garry Berry, right, 47th FTW command chief, after being presented the XLer of the week award here April 30, 2014. The XLer is a weekly award chosen by wing leadership and given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and Laughlin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike/Released)

Laughlin XLer: 1st Lt. Casey Heckman, 85th FTS

Published April 30, 2014
By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Job title and unit: 85th Flying Training Squadron, T-6A Texan II instructor pilot

Why he XLed: Heckman was hand-picked to be the point of contact for the Del Rio Mud Crawl. He led 16 volunteers, worked 60 hours and coordinated with seven local organizations to help raise $1,200 for the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce. He counseled four struggling student pilots, devoting eight hours of additional study. The effort was essential to 100 percent pass rate on seven student pilot evaluations. He also completed Runway Supervisory Unit controller upgrade training to help an undermanned squadron.