SSgt Christopher D. Tuck is a Contracting Specialist with the 48th Contracting Squadron, Lakenheath, England. At the time of his nomination he was assigned to the 325th Contracting Squadron, Tyndall AFB, Florida.

He administered the only Air Force-wide Architect and Engineering Services contract, valued at $2.5 million. He also implemented electronic design submissions, decreasing reviews from 75 to 30 days and was responsible for 40 other research/development contracts that included one involving state-of-the-art robotics used in Afghanistan. Unable to find local vendors while deployed to Masirah Island in the Middle East, he completed arrangements with U.S. vendors and cut delivery times from 24 to 5 days.

He has identified and corrected discrepancies in numerous construction contractors’ proposals and reduced costs by $2 million on a demolition contract and $345,000 on a painting contract. He also championed control of late interest penalties, recognized as best practice in AETC.

Sergeant Tuck, 30, is a native of South Boston, Virginia. He entered the Air Force in 1998. After completing technical training at Lackland AFB, Texas he was assigned to Tyndall AFB. He is enrolled at Gulf Coast Community College, completing credits for a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He’s also earned an associate degree in Contracts Management from the Community College of the Air Force.

He has amassed more than 500 volunteer hours in base and community activities. He worked with the Habitat for Humanity housing construction and Special Olympics committee and with the Tyndall Youth Center and assisted in construction of a children’s playground on Masirah Island. His work with the Air Force Recruiting Service in Panama City resulted in 1,500 leads on future recruits.